A housing association is helping to tackle the temporary accommodation crisis with the launch of new modular homes as part of a wider initiative to support homeless families.

The five two-bedroom homes in Bristol (pictured) were officially opened earlier this month and are part of Places for People’s (PfP) Space to Start campaign, which calls for greater use of modular housing as a faster, more suitable alternative to hotels, B&Bs and other temporary accommodation.

More than 135,000 households in England – including 177,000 children – are currently living in temporary accommodation, according to the latest government figures. For many, that means months or even years in cramped hotel rooms, hostels and B&Bs, often moving from place to place with little privacy, no cooking facilities and no permanent address.

At the same time, councils across England currently spend £2.9 billion a year on temporary accommodation, with costs forecast to approach £4 billion by the end of the decade. Based on PfP’s experience in Bristol, moving a household from emergency hotel or B&B accommodation into a modular home could save councils up to £24,500 a year.

Built by PfP’s specialist modular developer, Modularwise, the homes – including one fully accessible wheelchair-user home, specifically designed to provide greater independence for residents with mobility needs – give families their own front door, bedrooms, living space and fully fitted kitchen. Unlike hotel or B&B accommodation, they provide the privacy, space and facilities needed to live independently and comfortably while working towards a permanent home.

Built using modern methods of construction, the modular homes are largely manufactured off site before being transported and installed.

Managed by PfP, Fortfield Road has provided temporary accommodation and support to families in crisis since 2001. The existing service provides secure housing and wrap-around support to 22 families, with residents able to stay for up to two years while they regain stability and prepare for permanent housing.

The new homes, built on the same site, will be managed by PfP in partnership with Bristol City Council, with residents connected to healthcare, mental health services, education, employment and other support.

The scheme also demonstrates how councils can help unlock more housing by making suitable public land available. Bristol City Council worked with PfP to bring the Fortfield Road site forward, creating additional homes where they are needed most.

Christine Candlish, Director of Living Plus at Places for People, said: “Opening these new homes at Fortfield Road is an important step in giving families something that temporary accommodation too often cannot – space, security and a real sense of home.

“Families need somewhere they can cook, sleep, study and spend time together, not simply a hotel room with little privacy or space for family life. These homes give people the space and stability they need to rebuild their lives, alongside the right support to help them move towards permanent housing.

“Bristol City Council has shown what can be achieved when councils unlock suitable land and work with partners to deliver innovative housing solutions. We want to see more local authorities explore Modular homes as a faster, more cost-effective alternative to hotels and B&Bs.  They offer a practical solution to the temporary accommodation crisis, enabling high- quality homes to be delivered quickly and in the places where they are needed most.”

Councillor Barry Parsons, Chair of the Homes and Housing Delivery at Bristol City Council said: “Everyone deserves a safe and decent place to call home, but like many cities across the country, Bristol is facing unprecedented housing pressures and rising numbers of households requiring temporary accommodation. While we continue to build new homes and work to prevent homelessness wherever possible, it is equally important that families who do need temporary accommodation have somewhere safe and supportive to stay.

“These new modular homes at Fortfield Road demonstrate the positive impact that strong partnership working can have. By working closely with Places for People, we have been able to make better use of available land to deliver high-quality temporary accommodation that gives families the space, privacy and stability they need during a difficult time. We look forward to continuing to work with partners to explore innovative housing solutions.”

The Fortfield Road development is the latest modular housing scheme PfP has delivered in Bristol, with 15 homes across two other sites.

Through Space to Start, PfP wants to work with councils to unlock more unused public land and redirect some of the money spent on temporary accommodation into high-quality modular homes for people in need.