LIVE PROJECT
Client: Hub South East for West Lothian Council
Location: Almondvale, Livingston
Number of homes: 48 + 1 office accommodation building
Property Range: 28 one-bedroom cottage flats, 12 two-bedroom houses, 9 three-bedroom houses,
Project timeline: Summer 2024 – Summer 2025
Connect Modular is delighted to be working in partnership with Hub South East to deliver 49 units of high quality new build accommodation for West Lothian Council at Almondvale Crescent in Livingston town centre.
Work officially commenced on site on July 1st, with the milestone housing development set to provide 20 units of affordable housing, 28 units of supported housing for young people and one staff building.
Plans for the supported housing consists of 28 one-bedroom flats in total, with 16 flats designed to be flexible for future use as mainstream housing. Flexible office space will be provided for a maximum of ten staff members along with staff overnight accommodation to provide dedicated space and privacy, whilst still being on hand to assist and support the young people.
The affordable housing will provide 20 units with a mix of two and three-bedroom houses, along with 2 three-bedroom flats.
Each of the 49 units for this development will be constructed offsite in Connect Modular’s 120,000 sq ft Manufacturing facility using the modern modular construction technique.
There are many benefits to Connect Modular’s innovative approach including; efficiencies in terms of programme, factory controlled processes which allow for more precise and consistent manufacturing, and better quality control than with traditional construction methods. Since much of the construction is completed off site and within a factory, inclement weather plays less of a role in the construction process.
Connect Modular CEO, Jennifer Higgins, commented:
“Connect Modular is proud to be working in partnership with West Lothian Council and Hub South East to deliver 49 units of high quality new build housing via modular construction. Our modular build process delivers better quality homes faster. Leveraging our controlled factory environment, we ensure every module built is subject to rigorous quality control procedures and with site preparation works and housebuilding occurring simultaneously, the project timeline is significantly condensed, allowing the future residents of Almondvale Crescent to occupy their homes much more quickly than a traditional build would.”
Julie Whitelaw, Head of Housing, Construction and Building Services said:
“This is an important development and demonstrates that although the council has severe financial constraints, we will ensure that the funding we do have is used to tackle local priorities – in this case affordable housing and support for young people experiencing homelessness.”
Executive Councillor for services for the community, George Paul added:
“The site we have chosen is close to amenities with the college, hospital, transport and shopping facilities all within walking distance. These are all important factors in choosing a site that is specifically designed to help young people in need.”
“The availability of affordable homes is one of the most important issues that affects local people today. Demand vastly outstrips supply however we are continuing to create more affordable homes across West Lothian, but the issues affecting young people require more funding, and quickly.
“The creation of additional housing for young people is urgently required to meet the needs of the young people of West Lothian.”
Paul McGirk, Hub South East’s Chief Executive, said: “As a true development partner, providing innovative solutions for clients is a key driver for Hub South East and we are delighted to be embracing new opportunities through off-site manufacturing to deliver our first new housing development. It’s exciting to reach the construction stage in Livingston where we can start to make these plans a reality, benefiting young people and helping our client deliver on its acute need for more social housing.
“We’re proud to be continuing our successful partnership with West Lothian Council, which has delivered a number of high quality, well designed and award winning facilities and we look forward to driving the progress of this development.”
