New temporary accommodation scheme nears completion in Northampton

A new temporary accommodation development at Lings Park in Weston Favell is nearing completion, marking an important milestone in West Northamptonshire Council's (WNC) plans to provide better quality accommodation for families and individuals facing homelessness.

The purpose-built scheme will deliver 38 high-quality two-bedroom apartments alongside a community hub, children's play area, management office and laundry facilities. The development forms part of the Council's wider temporary accommodation programme, which aims to reduce reliance on costly emergency accommodation such as hotels and bed and breakfasts while providing residents with safe, secure and comfortable homes.

The homes are being delivered by modular housing specialist Boost TA, working alongside groundworks contractor Glympton Construction, and are expected to be completed later this autumn.

Designed specifically for temporary accommodation, the development will achieve an EPC A rating and includes solar panels and battery storage to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and lower long-term operating costs.

The scheme is expected to generate significant savings for the Council while creating accommodation that better meets the needs of local families and individuals experiencing housing difficulties.

Cllr Charlie Hastie, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing at West Northamptonshire Council, said: "It's fantastic to see this development nearing completion as we continue to deliver on our commitment to provide high-quality temporary accommodation for residents who need it most.

"Too often, families can spend extended periods in unsuitable and costly emergency accommodation because there simply are not enough appropriate options available. These new homes will provide modern, energy-efficient accommodation that offers people dignity, stability and security at a difficult time in their lives.

"As well as improving the quality of temporary accommodation available in West Northamptonshire, this scheme will help reduce our reliance on expensive emergency accommodation, allowing us to make better use of public funds while continuing to support residents facing housing challenges."

The development has been designed with sustainability at its heart. Alongside renewable energy technology and a fabric-first approach to construction, the project has incorporated measures to minimise waste and reduce emissions throughout the build process.

The project is also delivering benefits for the local community, including employment opportunities during construction, investment in the local supply chain and support for Northamptonshire charities through contributions from the contractor's community fund.

Giles Donovan, Boost co-founder, said: “Across England, councils are facing increasing pressure to meet the escalating demand for temporary accommodation. The challenge is about providing enough places to stay, but equally importantly it’s about creating temporary homes that give people dignity, stability and security, while helping local authorities reduce the financial pressures associated with expensive emergency accommodation such as hotels and bed and breakfasts.

“Our approach is about providing a practical, long-term solution, delivering high-quality, sustainable homes quickly and efficiently. By using modern methods of construction and working collaboratively with our partners, we can rapidly create places that offer residents facing homelessness a safe and comfortable temporary home, while delivering real value for local authorities.

“For councils, this is a swift, straightforward and cost-effective solution and we are now in discussion with growing numbers of local authorities right across the country about how our products can help them deliver quality temporary accommodation while achieving long-term value for residents and taxpayers.”

Lings Park is the first of two temporary accommodation developments being delivered by Boost TA as part of the Council's wider programme, with a second 70-home scheme at Claret Park in Northampton expected to be completed later this year.