The sun shone in Redhill, Surrey at the official opening of Mitchell Place, a development of eight low-carbon one-bedroom flats for homeless single parents and young people with support needs.
Transform Housing & Support welcomed 30 guests to the event in Redhill where the guest of honour was Transform’s former Chief Executive Paul Mitchell, who was in charge for nearly half of the housing association’s 50-year history.
The event marked a significant milestone for Transform, showcasing its commitment to innovative housing solutions for homeless single parents and young people in need of support.
The building was manufactured in modular form at Rollalong’s factory in Dorset and transported to Surrey to be installed on site.
The opening ceremony brought together representatives from Rollalong, project managers Playle and Partners and one of the development’s key funders, Surrey County Council.
Guests were given an exclusive tour of two of the completed flats which are designed to meet the specific needs of their residents. A young mother, proudly holding her five-month-old son, shared her gratitude with visitors as she guided them through her new home which she moved into just a few weeks ago. “This place has truly changed my life,” she said.
Our Project Director Iain Steele spoke at the event and highlighted the innovative nature of the project’s construction. “Mitchell Place is a modular build, meaning the units were constructed offsite and then brought in by crane and assembled,” he explained.
“This sustainable, cutting-edge method is extremely energy efficient, providing long-term benefits – including reduced costs – for clients.”
Transform Chief Executive Lawrence Santcross thanked the contractors and said how thrilled the organisation was to have been able to develop Mitchell Place. “We are dedicated to meeting the needs of the communities we serve by providing affordable social housing and tailored support,” he said.
“These eight meticulously designed flats, along with the support we’re offering, will empower clients both today, and in the future, to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.”
The event also showcased women in construction, and architect Hayley Poynter Fenning emphasised the significance of Mitchell Place’s all-women project team. “Gender equality in construction remains a challenge, with only 1% of skilled tradespeople and 16% of senior positions being held by women,” she noted. “This project demonstrates the power of female leadership in driving positive change.”
Paul Mitchell said: “Mitchell Place is the realisation of a dream that began in 1998 with the creation of Chaucer Court, the sister building to this one, so I am delighted that Transform, Rollalong and Playle and Partners have been able to bring this vision to life using such sustainable, modern construction methods.
“I know Mitchell Place will be hugely appreciated by all who live here and call it home.”
Pictured are (left to right) Sarah Young, Pelin Erginsoy and Hayley Poynter Fenning from Playle & Partners, Iain Steele from Rollalong and Suzanne Edwards from Transform Housing.