Network Rail unlock brownfield site to partner with ilke Homes for first modular housing development.

40 sustainable modular homes are set to be created in Nottinghamshire after Network Rail and modular home developer ilke Homes announced a significant investment in a brownfield site next to Beeston station. 

The deal, which has been brokered by JLL, will see a partnership-led redevelopment of the 2.2-acre site, delivering much-needed housing and car parking around a key transport hub which offers direct transport links into Nottingham city centre. 

Modular homes – which are built off-site in a factory-controlled setting – are more cost-effective to maintain, quicker to construct and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional brick houses, making them a sustainable housing solution. 

The development will be backed by government funding after ilke Homes secured a £30 million investment from Homes England to increase the capacity of its factory, as part of a scheme to boost modern methods of construction and deliver more modular homes across the UK.

The partnership with ilke Homes supports Network Rail’s strategy to release land for housing to drive economic growth and help communities to thrive, whilst generating capital to fund rail improvements for the benefit of passengers, taxpayers and the economy. 

David Biggs, Managing Director, Network Rail Property, said: “By joining forces with ilke Homes on the redevelopment of this brownfield site, we are able to deliver sustainable housing in a growing area, with brilliant access to transport.

“The development not only supports the government’s strategy to accelerate the rollout of modular housing but will also drive local economic growth. What’s more, all profits generated by Network Rail will be reinvested back into railway.”  

Tom Heathcote, Executive Director, Development, ilke Homes: “We are proud to partner with Network Rail to create a sustainable development of much-needed family homes for a growing community. 

“Modular homes represent the future of housing and we believe this residential development will be a shining example of what they can deliver for homeowners, communities and the UK economy.” 

Anabel Christmas, Residential Agent, JLL, said: “It is great that we have been able to broker such a positive deal despite these challenging and uncertain times for the industry.

“By supporting this partnership-led scheme between Network Rail and ilke Homes, we are playing our part in providing much-needed sustainable housing solutions to communities across the UK, while supporting the government’s housing strategy.” 

Notes

• The government is encouraging the redevelopment of brownfield sites to bring new investment into areas and increase housing delivery. 
• Much of Beeston is undergoing redevelopment, with a £50m redevelopment of Beeston Square – including an eight-screen Arc cinema, 132 homes and space for a number of restaurants and bars – given the green light in May.
• Modular housing company, ilke Homes, will manufacture the homes at its 250,000 sq ft factory in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, before installing them on the Beeston site.