hugg completes first residential scheme
hugg Homes, the new modular housing concept aimed at supporting local housing need across the South East, has completed its first development with Southampton City Council. The initial phase of 22 properties at hugg Southampton in the Chapel Riverside area of the city is now available for occupancy, with residents set to move in before Christmas.
Representatives from hugg Homes and Southampton City Council launched the scheme yesterday and welcomed its first tenants.
Stephen Wicks, Chief Executive of hugg Homes, a subsidiary of award-winning developer Inland Homes, said: “As a group we have a long-standing partnership with Southampton City Council via our other developments in the city, Meridian Waterside and Chapel Riverside, so we’ve been able to work creatively together to secure planning permission and bring these high-specification, modular homes forward.
“Rather than having dormant land lying empty for years, we thought it made much more sense to better utilise the land to meet the need for high-quality housing locally. It’s wonderful to have something tangible here now for everyone to see.”
Councillor Christopher Hammond, Leader of Southampton City Council, said: “Everyone deserves a safe, warm and secure home which they can afford. Unfortunately, for many, this isn’t the case.
“We’re facing a shortage of affordable housing both nationally and here in Southampton. This is why we’re working on innovative solutions such as the hugg Home units, offering a short-term affordable solution to the issue. It gives those who are in the greatest need of a home somewhere to call their own, while they get themselves in to a position to secure a longer-term permanent residence.
“We’re proud to be working alongside hugg Homes and other key partner organisations to find a way of solving some of the problems that we’re currently facing. If this pilot is a success we will aim to roll out similar schemes city-wide.”
hugg Homes are let at a 20 per cent discount to market rate to assist in providing a broader housing offer for local people on lower incomes. The standard of living inside a hugg Home offers a consistently high quality finish, designed to appeal to families, key workers or young private renters seeking affordable accommodation. The hugg development has both its own local management agent and 24/7 maintenance service provider, ensuring a professional service response to residents - an area often compromised at the more affordable end of the rental market.
Each hugg Home maximises space, with fitted furniture and appliances chosen to create an efficient living environment. There are fitted kitchens with integrated appliances, a fully tiled contemporary shower room, electric heating, private lockable storage, private access and parking. The homes are situated in landscaped courtyards containing play and leisure spaces and have full service connections
The hugg Southampton scheme will be available until the long-term use of the land is reinstated and final development plans are being rolled out. As such it’s an agile response to housing shortage, providing bespoke modular properties with a 60 year design warranty which are focussed on sustainability and design excellence.
hugg Homes is now offering its pop-up developments in key locations across the South East. A number of layout options are available to suit a variety of tenants, from accommodation for a couple, with a study and larger living area, to accommodation for a family of four.
A visitor centre and show home is open at Inland Homes’ Wilton Park in Beaconsfield.