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.