Work begins on innovative Family Housing scheme in Southampton
Work on 11 family sized affordable homes on a former children’s home in the City has started on site.
Western Challenge Housing Association (a Member of Source and part of Spectrum Housing Group), along with its preferred contractor - ISG Pearce, architects - Architecture plb and construction consultant - Baqus Denley King, were chosen as the team to produce a unique design for the site following an innovative competition held by Southampton City Council last year to provide family housing at Porlock Road.
Southampton City Councillor Phil Williams Cabinet Member for Housing and Local Services said:
“We need more family housing in the city and we need to protect our open spaces. This presents an exciting challenge to housing associations, developers and the City Council. Spectrum Housing has created a unique series of homes, all with private amenity space, great views and high environmental standards. This is a truly green project.”
The development in Millbrook comprises of a mix of three bedroom ground floor homes with three bedroom houses over. Key features include:
- Each family has its own front door directly to the outside.
- Households will all have a traditional garden or roof terrace.
- The scheme will include a number of key features that will reduce its impact on the environment.
The design was chosen because the ideas behind it could be replicated elsewhere in the City.
Jitinder Takhar, Group Development Director of Spectrum Housing Group says:
"Start on site is a real milestone for any new development and particularly with Porlock Road. It marks the culmination of much effort by the project team to get the scheme on site. We’re now looking forward to a smooth build process and much celebration as this scheme will be the first in the City to achieve level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes".
Ends: With photo from l to r: Rosie Dickaty – Project Manager at Spectrum Housing Group, Cllr Phil Williams – Southampton City Council, Kevin Sharp – ISG Pearce, Paul Conway – Architect plb, Jim West – Baqus Denley King.