Romford Market is set to host an innovative temporary modular home installation for the next four weeks,
It will provide a unique opportunity for the community to explore an example of modern, sustainable living solutions.
The installation, which will be open to the public from 10 March to 3 April 2025, features the latest advancements in eco-friendly construction and efficient living spaces, aimed at helping address housing needs.
It was designed, delivered and built in just over 90 days demonstrating what is possible in a short space of time.
The module was part of an exhibition at The Building Centre exploring how better quality temporary accommodation could be provided, aiding people out of hotels and hostels.
Councillors joined Council officers, representatives from Rollalong, the UK modular home manufacturer, and our colleagues from Wates, the 12 Estates Joint Venture, to view the installation.
This comes after the planning application for the 18 temporary modular homes at Waterloo and Queen Street was submitted earlier this month.
While the module design is not the same as that of the planning application, the space showcases the benefits of a safe, warm, self-contained home that could support families in their local areas.
Visitors to the installation will have the opportunity to tour the home, learn about modular home construction and design and find out more about how the Council are planning to use temporary modular homes to help some of Havering’s homeless families.
Cllr Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“We are committed to addressing homelessness in Havering and modular homes provide self-contained accommodation as a cost-effective solution that not only saves taxpayers money, but will provide better living conditions for those Havering families who require support and ensure we reduce our reliance on hotels and B&Bs.
“It forms one part of a wider strategy in our housing programme, which aims to provide more homes for residents.”
Hugh Jeffery, Regional Development Director, Wates, said:
“The modular home on display was originally installed at the ‘New Homes in New Ways’ exhibition in London, where experts from across the UK housing sector discussed how temporary modular home construction can help to improve the lives of families who so desperately need accommodation, before it was relocated to Havering.
“The design is not exactly the same as the proposals we submitted which include a considered design with placemaking appropriate for the area. This module aims to demonstrate what is possible in a short time frame, providing high quality places for people to live temporarily whilst we continue to work on the delivery of permanent homes.”
Paul Jones, Director, Rollalong, said:
“Our aim is to demonstrate how modular homes can offer a practical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional housing.
“We believe this installation will challenge the community to consider that they think temporary modular homes are, inspire them and spark important conversations about easing housing demand.”
Meanwhile, Blocks 9 and 10 at Waterloo and Queen Street are at an early stage of the design process.
This forms the first phase of the regeneration at the site, located to the east of the development, alongside Cotleigh Road, and adjacent to both sides of St Andrew’s Church.
More information about the modular home installation, including opening hours