The Minister of State for Housing and Planning has visited the Urban Splash hoUSe development in New Islington citing that more modular homes need to be brought to the market.
Gavin Barwell MP has held the Government office for housing since the summer and visited hoUSe as part of a broader North West tour with the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
Both Mr Barwell and the HCA were given a tour of hoUSe by Urban Splash Chairman Tom Bloxham MBE; this new concept in housing typology allows customers to create bespoke designed, affordable homes with customers determining the size and distribution of space thanks to the modular construction methods used to create them.
Following his visit, Mr Barwell said “We want to see lots more innovation in the housebuilding industry and this scheme by Urban Splash is a good example of what can be achieved by using new building techniques.
“There is enormous potential to use modular housing like that used here and I hope many more similar homes are developed as we make this a country that works for everyone.” His comments echo his predecessor Brandon Lewis MP who, on visiting hoUSe last year said that Urban Splash was a “prime example” of a developer creating exciting new ways to build homes.
Urban Splash Chairman Tom Bloxham MBE, said: “hoUSe has been a great success story; so far we have completed and fully sold our maiden development at New Islington, we are onsite creating 72 homes at Irwell Riverside – where we are currently selling – and we are progressing the build of a further 34 hoUSes in North Shields which will be released in the New Year. Plus there are plans being worked up in Birmingham and Liverpool.
“It’s great to have the support of the Housing Minister as we extend the concept into other areas of the country.”
The Minister was also given a tour of the broader New Islington regeneration area; where Urban Splash, working in partnership with Manchester City Council and the Homes and Communities Agency has helped to facilitate the creation of key infrastructure including a medical centre, the New Islington Free School, the New Islington Marina and Cotton Field Park.
The developer has also created hundreds of homes there, completing the Will Alsop-designed Chips apartment building in 2010 and – working with Great Places Housing Group – a number of affordable homes with architects such as FAT, mae and de Metz Forbes Knight.
