Ethos Public Relations Manchester

ICF homes secure funding from HCA

by Ethos public relations

Brighter Horizons, the charitable subsidiary of ALMO Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), has been awarded funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to develop six new homes using Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) construction methods.

“We are delighted to have been successful in our bid to the HCA for £360,000 to develop more new homes at Dover Street in Rochdale,” said Chief Executive Gareth Swarbrick. “This is the second new build development for our subsidiary company Brighter Horizons which was established just last year and we are delighted to be cracking on with our ambitious new build plans. These properties will improve the local landscape on this derelict former play area.”

RBH established Brighter Horizons to enable it to develop new homes in Rochdale with RBH managing and maintaining the new homes – a model which is at the forefront of ALMO development.

This scheme will comprise six 2-bedroom bungalows which will be developed by local community enterprise company Building Trades Agency using ICF technology.

ICF consists of twin-walled expanded polystyrene panels built up to create the walls of a house. This formwork system is then filled with ready-mixed concrete to create the structure determined by the architect.

Gareth Swarbrick added: “Insulating concrete formwork is a building system that has proved to be a strong, cost-efficient building method which not only meets modern methods of construction standards but is quick and easy to build and warm and efficient to run for the householder.

The scheme will focus on training local labour to use this efficient construction method.

Cabinet Member for Housing and Brighter Horizons Trustee Councillor Doreen Brophy-Lee added, “We are all really excited about the scheme on Dover Street. It will meet level four of the Code for Sustainable Homes and these sustainable properties will reduce energy bills for the tenants. Furthermore this will be achieved using a local construction company, and in turn using local labour, helping support jobs and revival in Rochdale”.

Deborah McLaughlin, Regional Director North West of the HCA, said: “Our investment in this scheme addresses the need for new affordable housing in Rochdale. I am particularly pleased that we are able to support this scheme, as it will not only provide affordable homes of high environmental standards but also help create fantastic employment opportunities for the local community.”

Posted at 22^nd March 2010