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.
The modules which will make up Mitchell Court in Redhill, Surrey have been installed on the site in just three days.
We’re delivering eight low-carbon one-bedroom flats for supported housing association Transform Housing & Support.
The development will be known as Mitchell Court after Transform’s former Chief Executive Paul Mitchell, who was in charge for nearly half of its 50-year history.
It will provide housing for homeless single parents and young people with support needs.
“One of the advantages of modular offsite construction is that it’s considerably faster to build a modular building than it is to build using traditional methods,” said Rollalong Sales Manager Nigel Allen.
“The installation took just three days and we are now working on internal finishing and fit-out with brickwork and roofing progressing well. Spending less time on site means a faster turnaround for the client and less disruption for local residents.”
Transform Chair Mark Austen said he was impressed by the new building’s sustainable, low-carbon credentials which include an EPC A rating, all-electric flats, an innovative fire suppression misting system which limits water damage, and solar panels installed on the roof.
“We are breaking new ground as this is Transform’s first ever modular construction with these flats being built offsite and then lifted in,” he said.
Transform provides specialist housing and support services for more than 1,800 homeless and vulnerable people each year in Surrey and surrounding areas.
Mitchell Court is expected to be complete later this year and clients should be moving in by the autumn.
We’ve started work on a modular housing development for homeless single parents and young people in Redhill, Surrey.
We’re employing modern methods of construction to provide eight low-carbon one-bedroom flats for supported housing association Transform Housing & Support.
Mitchell Court, named after Transform’s former Chief Executive Paul Mitchell who held the organisation’s reins for nearly half of its 50-year history, will house homeless single parents and young people with support needs. Transform provides specialist housing and support services for more than 1,800 homeless and vulnerable people each year in Surrey and surrounding areas.
Our Sales Manager Nigel Allen met up with colleagues from Transform to mark the start of work on the new building, which is being manufactured in modules at our factory in Dorset before being installed on site.
Mitchell Court is the first development we’ve delivered for Transform and we’re delighted to be collaborating with them.
“One of the advantages of modular offsite construction is that it’s considerably faster to build a modular building than it is to build using traditional methods,” said Nigel. “The modules themselves are scheduled to be installed next month and we expect this to be completed within just three days.”
Transform Chair Mark Austen said he was impressed by the new building’s sustainable, low-carbon credentials which include an EPC A rating, all-electric flats, an innovative fire suppression misting system which limits water damage, and solar panels installed on the roof.
“We are breaking new ground as this is Transform’s first ever modular construction with these flats being built offsite and then lifted in,” he said.
Transform’s Head of Housing and Support Natalie Murphy said that as well as the flats being energy-efficient – which would help clients manage their living costs – they would provide good-sized homes.
“They will meet the Government’s recommended space standards which is important because we are very conscious of the significant impact a spacious, well designed home can have on people’s wellbeing – as we saw during the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.
“For the young people and lone parents who will live in Mitchell Court, this environment will make such a positive contribution to empowering them to change their lives, so they are happier, healthier and more independent.”
Transform has appointed consultants Playle & Partners LLP to assist with procurement and project management of the scheme. Mitchell Court is scheduled to be completed later this year with the aim of clients occupying the flats by the autumn.