Hill group

Housebuilder launches prototype built using MMC to help rehome the homeless



The Hill Group is donating 200 one-bedroom properties to house homeless people as part of a charitable initiative.


It is estimated to cost more than £12m overall to produce the homes, and they are expected to be completed and inhabited within five years.

The prototype for ‘Foundation 200’, which is temporarily based on the group’s site, Marleigh, in Cambridge, was launched at a live virtual event that was attended by over 300 people from across the property industry.

It had been built using modern methods of construction (MMC) and was craned into place in just 30 minutes.

Hill group
The Foundation 200 prototype home

Andy Hill, CEO at the Hill Group (pictured above, left), said: “In these increasingly uncertain and challenging times, we must ensure that the most vulnerable parts of society are safe and protected.

“There is now a real urgency to provide the hundreds and thousands of homeless people across the UK with the security and safety of their own home.

“We do not pretend to have all of the answers to solve this problem, however, we are making great headway in creating an innovative new solution and we hope that, together with our partners, we will give people a real opportunity to turn their lives around.”

Hill group
Kitchen and living area of prototype property

The internal layout includes a fully fitted kitchen, living area, a bathroom with shower and a bedroom with built-in storage.
 
They are designed to meet the Future Homes Standard by using technology to ensure low carbon emissions, with an estimated running cost of £5 per week.

Hill group
The Foundation 200 internal view

Emma Fletcher, director at the Hill Group and lead for the delivery of the Foundation 200 homes, added: “We have been overwhelmed by the incredible amount of support and interest we have seen since announcing this initiative.

“We are currently speaking to 15 councils across our operating area about potential locations for our modules, and we hope to have the first sites completed in the summer.”

The housebuilder will carry out planning applications, clear the sites, install all necessary services, homes and the landscape.

The local charity partner will manage the re-homing process, provide ongoing support for the resident and will be responsible for the repairs and maintenance of the property.

The tenancy details, with regards to rent, eligibility, tenancy length and specific tenancy clauses will also be determined by the receiving local charity.



1 Comments

  • Photo

    Graham Burrough

    200 units and £12 Million project.... Or to simplify £60000 per unit??? And no mention of meeting building control. Why so expensive? Perhaps that's the realquestikn thr charity should be asking?

Leave a comment