The Project
Barcroft identified an opportunity to regenerate the former factory shop at Universal House, a previously developed site located immediately to the south of an Aldi foodstore in Market Drayton.
Planning consent was secured for a two-to-three-storey, 72-bed purpose-built care home, providing an opportunity to transform an underutilised brownfield site into a high-quality modern care facility for Lovett Care.
The development makes efficient use of previously developed land in a sustainable location, benefiting from its proximity to the Aldi supermarket and the wider range of amenities available within Market Drayton. The scheme provides a new purpose-built care facility while bringing a redundant commercial site back into productive use.
The project was brought forward through Mercroft, the joint venture between Barcroft Estates and Mercian Developments, with the site sale completed in August 2025.
The Location
The site is located within the established market town of Market Drayton, with the Aldi supermarket immediately adjacent providing a convenient amenity for the development. Market Drayton offers a wide range of shops, services, schools and community facilities, while its attractive historic centre and surrounding Shropshire countryside provide an appealing setting.
The site’s location provides good access to the town’s established facilities and benefits from its position within the existing urban area. Its proximity to the Aldi store and wider local amenities also contributes to the site’s sustainable credentials.
Barcroft's Role
Barcroft identified the opportunity to regenerate the former Universal House factory shop and led the project through the planning process, securing consent for the 72-bed care home.
Working through the Mercroft joint venture, Barcroft brought together the planning and development requirements to unlock the brownfield site and create an opportunity for Lovett Care to deliver a modern purpose-built care facility.
The successful sale of the site was completed in August 2025, marking the completion of Barcroft’s involvement in the project.
