Network Rail on track for modular housing debut

Network Rail has agreed its first modular housing development at Beeston station in Nottinghamshire, through a tie-up with ilke Homes. The partners will develop 40 homes on the 2.2-acre site, using government funds following a £30m investment from Homes England at the end of last year. ilke Homes will manufacture the sustainable, energy-efficient housing at its Knaresborough factory in North Yorkshire and aims to install them on-site by the end of 2021. Network Rail will reinvest profits from the sales back into the railway, as part of its strategy to release land in London and the North for housing, generating capital for rail improvements. David Biggs, managing director of 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 roll-out of modular housing, but will also drive local economic growth.” ilke Homes has a target to deliver 5,000 homes a year by 2025. It has a development pipeline of 3,200 homes, which has almost trebled from the level a year ago. It recently launched a new homes and development unit as part of this expansion, offering turnkey housing schemes to developers, housing associations and local authorities, with new offices in London, Birmingham and Bristol. JLL advised Network Rail. To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@egi.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @estatesgazette