Work has started on a modular housing development for homeless single parents and young people in Redhill, Surrey.

Rollalong, the largest offsite modular build contractor in the south of England, is using 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.

Representatives of Rollalong gathered with colleagues from Transform to mark the start of work on the new building, which is being manufactured in modules at Rollalong’s factory in Dorset before being installed on site.

Nigel Allen, Sales Manager at Rollalong, said Mitchell Court was the first development they had delivered for Transform and they were delighted to be collaborating with the supported housing provider.

“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,” he explained. “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.”

Mitchell Court is also a great example of organisations working together to provide support to those in society who really needed it, Mark Austen said. The development has the support of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council alongside a grant from Homes England.

In addition, funding from the Wolfson Foundation (£50,000) and the Peter Harrison Foundation (£23,000) has also been secured for the scheme.

“We are so grateful for all the support we’ve received for Mitchell Court, without which we could not have made this project happen,” Mr Austen added.

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.

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