Not for profit housing and care provider, Housing 21 has unveiled modular build bungalows at Ward Court in Brighouse, West Yorkshire with a grand opening event.
The offsite modular construction project is one of the latest in older people’s housing and has taken place on land owned by Housing 21 at Ward Court. The new properties mark a step forward in an in-filling approach, which provides much-needed housing by utilising existing space and minimizing disruption to neighbouring residents.
The organisation worked with construction firm, M-AR Off-Site Ltd and Henry Riley LLP consultants to build the modular one bedroom bungalows specifically for people over the age of 55 and are delighted to announce the site has been shortlisted for the ‘Best approach to modular construction’ category at the Inside Housing Development Awards.
Lesley, a resident living in one of the new bungalows said:
“To me, living here has been life-saving in every way. I feel happier and the ease and cleanliness of this scheme is just great. I have the opportunity to make new friends and keep myself busy socialising with court activities. I am very happy living here. I absolutely love it.”
Siobhan Moore, Director of Development at Housing 21 commented:
“We are delighted to see these new properties at courts where local authorities expressed a need for more retirement housing in the area.
“Modular construction allowed us to fill these requirements quickly and efficiently whilst maintaining the high level of quality our residents expect.
“Using modern construction methods, elements such as plumbing and electrics were able to be fitted and installed off-site reducing the amount of time on-site and disruption to residents in the existing properties at the court.”
The bungalows are complete with kitchens and shower rooms, and were transported by road before being lifted into position where external finish and roof construction took place.
Cllr Jane Scullion, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Resources, said
“We’re delighted to welcome the first modular affordable housing scheme to Calderdale. We’re very impressed with the quality and speed of construction, and we’re glad that residents are too – it’s fantastic to hear that their new homes are making a real difference to their lives. The Council is committed to bringing a wide range of quality new homes to the borough, to increase choice for local people at all stages of their lives.”
Housing 21 currently has one of the largest build programmes for older people in England. The organisation has committed to providing at least 2,100 Extra Care properties and 210 Retirement Living properties by 2022, and 1,000 new homes per annum thereafter.
View the construction video of Ward Court in Brighouse here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6s5fZylViQ(external link)