Modular construction is a process in which a building is constructed off-site, under controlled plant conditions, using the same materials and designing to the same codes and standards as conventionally built facilities but in about half the time.

The global modular construction market is expected to grow by 7.1% CAGR from 2019 to 2025. Modular construction is the process by which the exterior construction of a building is completed using the same design, standards and materials.

Building construction takes place in a modular format, which is collected on site. The modular structure reduces field disturbance and generates less waste compared to conventional structures.

In addition, the dismantling of modular buildings is easy to do, and can be retrofitted and relocated for new modular homes, minimizing raw material demand and energy required to build new buildings.

Modular structures are used for permanent or temporary facilities such as military housing, classrooms, classrooms, construction camps and industrial facilities. In addition, modular homes and buildings are used in remote areas where conventional construction is not possible.

In addition, the modular structure finds major applications in medical facilities, churches, fast food restaurants and commercial offices.

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The following players are covered in this report:

Modular Construction Market segmentation by Type

Modular Construction Market segmentation by Application

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Scope of the Report

The research study analyses the global LTE IOT industry from 360-degree analysis of the market thoroughly delivering insights into the market for better business decisions, considering multiple aspects some of which are listed below as:

Recent Developments

o Market Overview and growth analysiso Import and Export Overviewo Volume Analysiso Current Market Trends and Future Outlooko Market Opportunistic and Attractive Investment Segment

Geographic Coverage

o North America Market Size and/or Volumeo Latin America Market Size and/or Volumeo Europe Market Size and/or Volumeo Asia-Pacific Market Size and/or Volumeo Rest of the world Market Size and/or Volume

Key Questions Answered by Modular Construction Market Report

1. What was the Modular Construction Market size in 2018 and 2019; what are the estimated growth trends and market forecast (2019-2025).

2. What will be the CAGR of Modular Construction Market during the forecast period (2019-2025)?

3. Which segments (product type/applications/end-user) were most attractive for investments in 2018? How these segments are expected to grow during the forecast period (2019-2025).

4. Which manufacturer/vendor/players in the Modular Construction Market was the market leader in 2018?

5. Overview on the existing product portfolio, products in the pipeline, and strategic initiatives taken by key vendors in the market.

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Modular Construction Market, industry share, trends, growth, future prospects, forecast 2019 to 2025 - WhaTech

1. United States

The newest supercarrier will be named the USS Doris Miller after the African American sailor who helped save his injured captain and crewmates at Pearl Harbor. During the 1941 attack, Miller also opened fire on Japanese planes, despite the fact that being Black limited him to the job of messman, and he was not trained to use weapons. Most supercarriers are named after U.S. presidents, and this marks the first time an African American or an enlisted sailor has received the honor.

ROD AYDELOTTE/WACO TRIBUNE-HERALD/AP

Former sailors salute a 9-foot-tall bronze statue of Doris Miller during an unveiling ceremony on Dec. 7, 2017, in Millers hometown of Waco, Texas.

The Black press fought for his recognition back in 1941 seven years before the government committed to desegregating the military and his actions were immortalized in poems by Langston Hughes and Gwendolyn Brooks. Still, many in the Navy are unfamiliar with Millers story. Former acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly said the tribute was long overdue, and reflects the Navys diversity today: We have about 340,000 active-duty sailors, and they come from every part of the country, every skin color, every ethnicity.(NPR)

Frances Ministry of Ecological Transition announced a series of bans to improve animal welfare throughout the country. Traveling circuses will no longer be allowed to use wild animals such as tigers, bears, and elephants, and marine parks can no longer breed or obtain dolphins and orcas to keep in captivity. The new policies also bring an end to mink farming in France by 2025.

REGIS DUVIGNAU/REUTERS/FILE

Elephants perform at the Arlette Gruss Circus in Bordeaux, France, on Feb. 4, 2014.

Some of the changes go into effect immediately, while others will be implemented over several years. It is time to open a new era in our relationship with these [wild] animals, said Barbara Pompili, the environment minister. The government is dedicating $9.4 million to help marine parks transition into sanctuaries and find new jobs for circus and marine park workers. (The Associated Press, Green Matters)

Togo has a record number of women in the upper echelons of government after a recent cabinet reshuffle. Women have been appointed to 30% of the countrys 33 ministerial positions, including Prime Minister Victoire Tomegah Dogbe and Defense Minister Essozimna Marguerite Gnakade a first for each post. While some hesitate to celebrate since President Faure Gnassingb a controversial figure who continues his 15-year rule despite growing opposition is still in power, others say the historic lineup gives them hope. Ms. Dogbe in particular has led efforts against youth unemployment and poverty, and is widely respected throughout the country. Human rights activist Mimi Dossou Soeddj said the appointment sends a strong signal to our young girls and women that they have the right to dream big. (Reuters, CNN, Deutsche Welle)

Kazakhstan took an important step toward abolishing the death penalty with the signing of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. There are now only three countries in Europe and Central Asia that have not signed the document: Russia, Tajikistan, and Belarus.Kazakhstan has been gradually narrowing the scope of capital punishment. The courts generally stopped imposing the death penalty in 2004, but can make exceptions for acts of terrorism. A man convicted of a 2016 mass shooting remains the only person on death row today. In his speech to the United Nations, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan is committed to the implementation of the fundamental right to life and human dignity, according to a Kazakh Foreign Ministry statement. (Amnesty International, New Europe)

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Hong Kongs latest transitional housing initiative is helping low-income families live with dignity. In one of the worlds most expensive and crowded cities, thousands are waiting an average of 5 1/2 years to access public housing. Transitional homes built on idle land offer a short-term solution. Nam Cheong 2020 is Hong Kongs first modular home project, whose prefabricated dwellings can be moved and reused when the lease is done.

The four-story modular homes in Hong Kong are made from prefabricated parts.

Although temporary, the 290-square-foot apartments have already made a huge difference for families such as Lau Kai Fai, his wife, and their teenage son. They recently swapped their 80-square-foot coffin home for a spot in Nam Cheong 2020, paying 60% of their old rent. They can cook, eat meals together, and do homework at an actual desk. It feels like a home, Mr. Lau said. The previous flat was only a place to sleep. (Reuters)

Rights of nature laws are gaining momentum around the world, empowering communities and bringing fresh arguments to court. Based in Indigenous thought, this approach affirms the rights of rivers, reefs, and other forms of nature to exist and thrive. Under the current paradigm, say environmental activists, nature is treated as property, limiting the ways in which people can defend the planet against pollution and overuse.At least 14 countries have adopted rights of nature laws in recent years, sometimes through judicial decisions, international resolutions, or constitutional amendments. From Bolivia to Bangladesh, these measures allow residents to sue for harm done to nature on behalf of their local ecosystems. This is a new area of rights, but its also a growing movement, said Monti Aguirre, Latin America coordinator with International Rivers. (Thomson Reuters Foundation)

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Points of Progress: US Navy honors Doris Miller, and more - The Christian Science Monitor

Global Modular Construction Marketwas valued at US$ 127.81 Bn 2019 and is expected to reach US$ 205.21 Bn by 2027, at a CAGR of 6.10% during a forecast period 2020-2027.

Modular construction is a process in which a building is constructed off-site, under controlled plant conditions, using the same materials and designing to the same codes and standards as conventionally built facilities.

Global Modular Construction Market Dynamics:

Major driving factors of the Modular Construction Market are rising construction activities in emerging economies such as China, India, Japan and Brazil, and increasing inclination toward property construction and trendy construction techniques. The construction process of modular buildings is faster than the conventional process as it requires less time. Furthermore, other advantages that are associated with modular construction includes greater flexibility, improved air quality, and reduced construction schedule creating market opportunity in this sector. The recession in the global financial market and low disposable income will act as restraint to the market.

However, the demand for modular construction is entirely dependent on the demand for new construction, which is directly related to the economic condition of any country, region, or the world as a whole. Due to slowdown in the global economy, the demand for new construction is decreasing. Unemployment and low disposable income radically affecting the market growth.

Global Modular Construction Market Segmentation Analysis:

Global Modular Construction Market is segmented by type, by Material, by Application and by Region. By type, permanent modular segment held the largest share of 67% in 2019 and is expected to keep its dominance over forecast period. Permanent modular buildings are comparable to buildings strictly built onsite in terms of quality, life span, and materials used for construction. Permanent modular affords a cleaner worksite with fewer disruptions. With the majority of work completed offsite, issues such as noise, dust, debris, and weather complications are greatly reduced. Permanent modular construction has emerged as an alternative to traditional building methods over the past decade. Increase in per capita income and easy availability of finances are some of the factors responsible for the rising trend of owning a house, thereby, positively influencing market growth.

Global Modular Construction Market Regional Analysis:

By geography, Asia Pacific held 39% market share in 2019 and is expected to keep its dominance over forecast period. The Asia-pacific Modular construction market particularly within countries like the Asian nation and China is growing rapidly thanks to an increasing range of construction activities boosted by the apace growing population and demand for recent residential and industrial buildings. China itself is one among the leading producers of the standard building product. Moreover, government initiatives in numerous Asian countries also are propellant the market growth within the region.

Moreover, emerging economies of Latin America along with high-growth markets of Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia are expected to provide lucrative growth opportunities. Slower growth is anticipated in North America and Europe due to increased construction activities in developing regions.

Global Modular Construction Market Competitive Landscape

From a competitor position, the market is highly fragmented with several regional and smaller suppliers with wide market coverage due to the relative ease of setting up a business in this space. The industry is, therefore, slated to experience consolidation with multiple merger and acquisition activities occurring in the foreseeable future. Many small and regional participants such as Algeco Scotsman, Alta-Fab Structures, Arts Way Manufacturing, Atco, Bouygues Construction, Cimc Modular Building Systems Holding, Clayton Homes, Dubox, Hickory Group, Horizon North Logistics, Kef Katerra, Kleusberg GmbH & Co. Kg are influencing the overall pricing and distribution patterns in regional markets, especially in Latin America, the Middle-East, and Asia-Pacific.

The objective of the report is to present a comprehensive analysis of the Global Modular Construction Market including all the stakeholders of the industry. The past and current status of the industry with forecasted market size and trends are presented in the report with the analysis of complicated data in simple language. The report covers all the aspects of the industry with a dedicated study of key players that includes market leaders, followers and new entrants.

PORTER, SVOR, PESTEL analysis with the potential impact of micro-economic factors by Application on the market have been presented in the report. External as well as internal factors that are supposed to affect the business positively or negatively have been analyzed, which will give a clear futuristic view of the industry to the decision-makers. The report also helps in understanding Global Modular Construction Market dynamics, structure by analyzing the market segments and project the Global Modular Construction Market size. Clear representation of competitive analysis of key players by Type, price, financial position, Product portfolio, growth strategies, and regional presence in the Global Modular Construction Market make the report investors guide.Scope of the Report for Modular Construction Market

Global Modular Construction Market, By Type

Permanent RelocatableGlobal Modular Construction Market, By Material

Precast Concrete Steel Wood PlasticGlobal Modular Construction Market, By Application

Housing Commercial Education Healthcare IndustrialGlobal Modular Construction Market, by Region

North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa Latin AmericaKey Players Operating in Modular Construction Market

Algeco Scotsman Alta-Fab Structures Arts Way Manufacturing Atco Bouygues Construction Cimc Modular Building Systems Holding Clayton Homes Dubox Hickory Group Horizon North Logistics Kef Katerra Kleusberg GmbH & Co. Kg Koma Modular Kwikspace Modular Buildings Laing Orourke Modular Space Corporation NRB Inc. Red Sea Housing Skanska AB Vinci Wernick Group

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Global Modular Construction Market Forecast and Analysis (2020-2027), by Type, Material, End-User Sector and Region. - Stock Market Vista

The first new developments have now started on-site and include the largest single Cardiff Living development to date at the former Eastern High School site in Rumney.

The site will see 214 new homes developed, including 44 Community Living flats for older people at Addison House.

Cardiff CouncilandWates Residentialare looking to install ground source heat pumps, solar PV panels and batteries on all of the new homes that will be delivered as part of phases two ad three.

This will support the partners drive towards a zero-carbon future in addition to ensuring residents annual heating bills are reduced, helping to tackle fuel poverty.

In August 2019 Wates Residential, Cardiff Council and Sero Energy announced that the Eastern High site had secured over 4m of Innovative Housing Programme (IHP) Grant funding from Welsh Government.

IHP funding of 1.4m has also been secured for the Croft Street site in Plasnewydd to enable the delivery of a highly energy-efficient modular system. New homes will be designed and manufactured off-site in controlled conditions, using the latest technology and materials.

Edward Rees, regional director for Wates Residential, said: Since 2015, our award-winning partnership with Cardiff Council has delivered 343 much-needed new homes for local people across Cardiff.

These homes are an exemplar for high quality, sustainable new housing that people can be proud to live in.

Starting the process for the next two phases of the programme is an exciting step forward for Cardiff Living.

We believe that everyone deserves a great place to live and, by harnessing innovative construction methods and carbon saving technologies, we hope that these new homes will continue to bring positive benefits to the local community for many generations to come.

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Wates appointed to deliver 1,500 new homes across Cardiff - Planning, BIM & Construction Today

Ideal Modular Homes has won a place on the Dynamic Purchasing System for construction contractors and subcontractors in the modular buildings category.

The DPS will be running until July 2024 and covers the requirements for Gateshead Council, the Gateshead Housing Companys (TGHC) and their partner organisations to source numerous suppliers who are able to provide a wide range of construction services and building materials.

This will assist the council and TGHC in delivering high-quality operation construction services.

Offsite manufacturing and modular building can transform the industry, benefitting from quick delivery along with a focus on energy efficiency without compromising on quality.

Gemma Darroch, head of new projects at Ideal Modular Homes, said: Were delighted to be awarded a place on the Gateshead Council and the Gateshead Housing Companys DPS in the modular category and are looking forward to helping them deliver high-quality, affordable modular homes.

Were a BOPAS-accredited manufacturer that champions high quality, sustainable construction methods in addressing the current UK housing crisis.

We can build a new home in four days with on site installation taking just eight hours.

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Ideal Modular Homes wins place on Gateshead DPS - Planning, BIM & Construction Today

Faithful+Gould will work closely with Bassetlaw District to transform derelict land into a new 120 modular housing development.

Faithful+Gould will provide project and commercial management for the scheme and will also deliver the role of principal designer.

The company will work closely with the council and the modular home manufacturer to ensure that the development meets the needs of the local community and provides the right mix of housing and apartments.

The 120-home Radford Street development is the first modular housing scheme for the authority and forms a key part of its vision to increase its housing stock and encourage growth and investment in the local economy.

Councillor Steve Scotthorne, cabinet member for housing at Bassetlaw District Council, said: This project will deliver a modern, innovative and energy efficient housing scheme that improves neighbourhoods, supports local jobs and continues the Councils ambition to increase the amount of council housing in our district.

When we initially consulted residents about the project, the overwhelming response was a request to build more council housing. We are now delivering on this promise.

We are delighted to appoint Faithful+Gould who will manage and accelerate the development, adding their expert insight and knowledge into the design and delivery of the project.

Andrew Prickett, director and head of residential for Faithful+Gould, added: The modular approach will help us deliver the Radford Street development quicker, more cost effectively, and crucially, at a consistent and high quality.

By combining Faithful+Goulds knowledge of the modular housing sector with our exceptional approach to delivery, we can help the council deliver on its vision, and the UK reach its target of 300,000 new homes each year.

Faithful+Gould was appointed to the modular housing scheme via direct award through Lot 1 of the Pagabo Framework and has selected a local design team of Nottingham SMEs including Lungfish Architects, Dice Consultancy and BEC Consultancy.

Construction work on the Radford Street development is expected to start in the spring of 2021, with an anticipated completion of spring 2022.

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Faithful+Gould appointed to 15m modular housing scheme - Planning, BIM & Construction Today

SUWANEE, Ga., Oct. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Digirad Corporation (Nasdaq: DRAD; DRADP) (Digirad or the Company), a diversified holding company with three divisions: Healthcare, Building & Construction, and Real Estate & Investments, announced today that KBS Builders, Inc. (KBS) has signed Phase 3 of its previously announced project with Tocci Building Corporation (Tocci), a Massachusetts-based general contractor and construction management company.

Phase 3 of this project, valued at $1.5 million, increases the total project size by an additional 26 building modules and 6 living units. All three phases of this project have a combined value of $6.7 million and are for the manufacture of 124 building modules to be used in the production of 28 single-family and townhouse units for the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center in Natick, MA. Phase 1 of the project has been completed. The townhouse and duplex style homes under Phase 2 of this project have commenced and building set and erection is scheduled to start later this month. All 124 modular units are being manufactured at KBSs plant in South Paris, ME, which has a production capacity of 500 to 600 building modules per year.

Jeff Eberwein, Digirads Chairman, noted, The award of Phase 3 of this project is an indication of the confidence our client has in our ability to manufacture high-quality building modules for this project. As we previously announced, KBS has increased its work force by over 20% versus pre-COVID levels to meet the higher manufacturing requirements for recently won commercial projects. KBSs backlog and sales pipeline, along with its market initiatives to build more workforce housing, position KBS for strong growth going forward.

About Digirad CorporationDigirad Corporation is a diversified holding company with three divisions: Healthcare, Building & Construction, and Real Estate & Investments.

Healthcare Division (Digirad Health)Digirad Health designs, manufactures, and distributes diagnostic medical imaging products and services. Digirad Health operates in three businesses: Diagnostic Imaging, Diagnostic Services,and Mobile Healthcare. The Diagnostic Imaging business designs, manufactures, and sells proprietary solid-state gamma cameras. It also services the installed base of these proprietary cameras. The Diagnostic Services business offers imaging and monitoring services to healthcare providers as an alternative to purchasing equipment or outsourcing procedures. The Mobile Healthcarebusiness provides contract diagnostic imaging, including computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), PET/CT, and nuclear medicine and healthcare expertise through a convenient, mobile service.

Building & Construction Division (ATRM)ATRM Holdings, Inc. (ATRM) manufactures modular housing units for commercial and residential real estate projects. ATRM operates in two businesses: (i) modular building manufacturing and (ii) structural wall panel and wood foundation manufacturing, including building supply retail operations. The modular building manufacturing business is operated by KBS Builders, Inc. (KBS), the structural wall panel and wood foundation manufacturing segment is operated by EdgeBuilder, Inc. (EdgeBuilder), and the retail building supplies are sold through Glenbrook Building Supply, Inc. (Glenbrook). KBS, EdgeBuilder, and Glenbrook are all wholly-owned subsidiaries of ATRM, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Digirad.

Real Estate & Investments DivisionThis business division manages the Companys real estate assets and investments.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer StatementSafe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this release that are not statements of historical fact are hereby identified as forward-looking statements for the purpose of the safe harbor provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking Statements include, without limitation, statements regarding (i) the plans and objectives of management for future operations, including plans or objectives relating to acquisitions and related integration, development of commercially viable products, novel technologies, and modern applicable services, (ii) projections of income (including income/loss), EBITDA, earnings (including earnings/loss) per share, free cash flow (FCF), capital expenditures, cost reductions, capital structure or other financial items, (iii) the future financial performance of Digirad Corporation or acquisition targets and (iv) the assumptions underlying or relating to any statement described above. Moreover, forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions on the Companys part. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words believe, expect, anticipate, estimate, project, intend, plan, should, may, will, would, will be, will continue or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are not meant to predict or guarantee actual results, performance, events or circumstances and may not be realized because they are based upon the Company's current projections, plans, objectives, beliefs, expectations, estimates and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and other influences, many of which the Company has no control over. Actual results and the timing of certain events and circumstances may differ materially from those described above as a result of these risks and uncertainties. Factors that may influence or contribute to the inaccuracy of forward-looking statements or cause actual results to differ materially from expected or desired results may include, without limitation, the substantial amount of debt of the Company and the Companys ability to repay or refinance it or incur additional debt in the future; the Companys need for a significant amount of cash to service and repay the debt and to pay dividends on the Companys preferred stock; the restrictions contained in the debt agreements that limit the discretion of management in operating the business; legal, regulatory, political and economic risks in markets and public health crises that reduce economic activity and cause restrictions on operations (including the recent coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak); the length of time associated with servicing customers; losses of significant contracts or failure to get potential contracts being discussed; disruptions in the relationship with third party vendors; accounts receivable turnover; insufficient cash flows and resulting lack of liquidity; the Company's inability to expand the Company's business; unfavorable changes in the extensive governmental legislation and regulations governing healthcare providers and the provision of healthcare services and the competitive impact of such changes (including unfavorable changes to reimbursement policies); high costs of regulatory compliance; the liability and compliance costs regarding environmental regulations; the underlying condition of the technology support industry; the lack of product diversification; development and introduction of new technologies and intense competition in the healthcare industry; existing or increased competition; risks to the price and volatility of the Companys common stock and preferred stock; stock volatility and in liquidity; risks to preferred stockholders of not receiving dividends and risks to the Companys ability to pursue growth opportunities if the Company continues to pay dividends according to the terms of the Companys preferred stock; the Companys ability to execute on its business strategy (including any cost reduction plans); the Companys failure to realize expected benefits of restructuring and cost-cutting actions; the Companys ability to preserve and monetize its net operating losses; risks associated with the Companys possible pursuit of acquisitions; the Companys ability to consummate successful acquisitions and execute related integration, including to successfully integrate ATRMs operations and realize the synergies from the acquisition of ATRM, as well as factors related to the Companys business (including ATRM) including economic and financial market conditions generally and economic conditions in the Companys markets; failure to keep pace with evolving technologies and difficulties integrating technologies; system failures; losses of key management personnel and the inability to attract and retain highly qualified management and personnel in the future; and the continued demand for and market acceptance of the Companys services. For a detailed discussion of cautionary statements and risks that may affect the Companys future results of operations and financial results, please refer to the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the risk factors in the Companys most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. This release reflects managements views as of the date presented.

All forward-looking statements are necessarily only estimates of future results, and there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from expectations, and, therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

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KBS, a Subsidiary of Digirad Corporation, Announces Signing of Phase 3 of Previously Announced Contract to Manufacture Multi-Family Housing Units for...

Plans have been approved for four more modular homes for the homeless in Cambridge, gifted by developer Hill.

The so-called pods will provide transitional housing for up to 18 months to the homeless and former rough sleepers, with support provided by homelessness charity Jimmys and Cambridge City Council.

The councils planning committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission on Wednesday (October 7) for four of the portable buildings on land off Dundee Close in East Chesterton.

The small and self-contained homes are four of 16 to have been gifted to the city by Hill . Under its Foundation 200 project, the Ickleton-based family-owned house-builder is donating 200 such homes nationwide to ease the homelessness problem - a 10million gift inspired by the personal experience of Hill CEO Andy Hill, who was made redundant in 1999 when he had a young family, and feared they would lose their home.

The homes, to be managed by the Cambridge charity Jimmys, are 3.8 metres wide, 7.9 metres deep and 3.1 metres high, according to a city council report. Each unit comes fully furnished and includes a living area, kitchen, utility space, bathroom and a bedroom.

Six similar homes from a different project are already in place and have tenants on land next to the Christ the Redeemer Church, off Newmarket Road in Barnwell.

A further planning application has been submitted to install more of the 16 homes gifted by Hill, for a site at Crowland Way in Kings Hedges. And another application is anticipated for land of Barnes Close near to the airport.

This latest application differs from the previously approved row of six homes on Newmarket Road in that the planning permission is permanent, whereas the Newmarket Road scheme only has permission for three years.

The applicant, Cambridge City Council, said the homes will provide specialist single-person accommodation for local homeless people.

The city will only award a place to those who meet the criteria for its housing first strategy, which includes the requirement of a local connection, and the individual must be currently in vulnerable accommodation and struggling in the cycle of homelessness by being a repeat visitor of homelessness services.

A council planning officer said nearby residents had raised concerns that the homes would increase substance abuse or antisocial behaviour in the area. These claims, they said, were found to be without evidence. The planning officer said the council has advised the tenancies will not be offered to those with complex needs and that any tenant who has had non-housing related difficulties will need to be well on their way to addressing these and have been stable for a considerable period. They also said support would be available from the city council and homelessness charity Jimmys, and that conditions would be placed on all tenancies.

The planning officer also said the homes do not meet the councils policy for minimum space standards and therefore should not be used for longer-term standard housing. The occupancy period will be limited to 18 months.

A resident of Elmfield Road, Cinzia Malangone, wrote to the committee to object to the application.

She argued there is a conflict of interest and that the council is allowing itself to breach its own policy on minimum space standards by 30 per cent of the expected minimum internal space.

The homes have an internal space of 24 metres squared, compared with the councils expected minimum of 37 metres squared, which is based on government guidance.

She also argued that the application does not have the support of local residents, as only objections have been received in response, and said the pods are out of character with the area. She also criticised a lack of details about how future occupants would be selected, arguing the council could therefore not guarantee the most in need will access and benefit.

Council officer Rory Lowings made the case for the application to the committee and said the positive impact on future tenants could be immeasurable, as they might otherwise be reliant on a hostel or shared accommodation.

Homelessness in Cambridge is a clear and evident problem, he said, adding the need for the modular homes has only increased as a result of the pandemic. He said 77 people who would otherwise be homeless are being temporarily housed in hotels in response to the virus.

He said: The pods are part of the process of getting people from potentially a street homeless situation or a hostel accommodation situation to accommodation that they are in independently.

He said the homes are built to last at least 60 years, but that the aim is to move each tenant into conventional accommodation after they have established a stable domestic situation and are in a position to make that transition.

The homes could be brought into use not long after the New Year, Mr Lowings said.

He said that if the tenant has a history of drug use, Jimmys may conduct regular and random drugs tests. A representative of the charity told the meeting that if such a test is failed then an assessment will be carried out to determine if the tenancy should continue.

Cllr Jennifer Page-Croft told the committee her son had spent about eight years living on the streets as a rough sleeper. She said he now had his life back together again, with a stable home and family. She said that when she discussed this project with her son he said it was amazing. She said the smaller size can be more manageable and beneficial for those transitioning from a life on the streets.

A number of councillors voiced strong support for the scheme. Cllr Carla McQueen praised it as such a good thing, and Cllr Dave Baigent described it as wonderful.

Cllr Kelley Green said: Homelessness affects us all whether we feel like it does or not, we cant really just shut the door on it and ignore it.

She added: Given that housing is so expensive and becoming more expensive relative to our incomes in Cambridge, I think it is time we seriously addressed how to deliver housing of this type in bigger quantities.

I would really like to see more, she said.

Cllr Gerri Bird described it as a fantastic development.

I do understand the concerns of the neighbours who are close by, but Im sure we can make sure that everything is fine for them too, she said.

She added: I think these are important because we need to give these people a step up into accommodation so they can get back into normal life.

In response to a question from Cllr Baigent, she said none of these pods are accessible for anybody with a disability.

A council officer said there is other accommodation for those with disabilities looking for accommodation.

Emma Fletcher, director of Hills Foundation 200 , said: Achieving planning for these four homes is a tremendous step forward in our programme and is our second site in Cambridge to receive planning permission.

We have donated these homes to Jimmys, who will be providing the vital ongoing support to homeless people making the move into a home of their own. Were delighted to be part of an active community of organisations who together are helping tackle homelessness in Cambridge.

Read more

Hills pods are Next Steps for Cambridges homeless

Hill CEO: The personal experience thats driven me to donate 200 homes for the homeless in 10million gift

Supporters celebrate modular homes opening for Cambridges homeless

Cambridge homes for homeless team composed of unsung heroes

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Four of Hills modular homes for the homeless approved in Cambridge - Cambridge Independent

In my July article, I commented on how Modular Construction was moving up the Housing Agenda. Today the Times has reported on Government plans for a major investment in factory-built homes. This was part of a key speech by Robert Jenrick at the Conservative Party conference and has been supported by Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, and Steve Barclay, chief secretary to the Treasury.

Robert Jenricks comments are significant to the future of housebuilding. We are already seeing some of the traditional housebuilders invest in modular construction. For example: Berkeley Homes has set up a modular construction arm. Countryside is investing circa 20m in a modular construction factory. Barratts intends to construct 20% of its homes off-site. The Government believes that this initiative would aim to deliver 75,000 modular homes a year by 2030, creating up to 50,000 jobs and reducing carbon emissions from new homes by 40 per cent.

Whilst there are many barriers to overcome with modular construction, with Government backing, the housebuilding industry will need to adapt, in particular if housebuilders wish to work with Homes England or London Councils who will all have the ability to force a housebuilder to provide a modular element in the tender process.

With sweeping planning reforms approaching (see a planning white paper summary here), it is possible that permissions for certain types of developments will only be granted if there is a modular element.

Many modular construction companies are already recruiting land buyers and project managers from traditional housebuilders. This is a positive sign as it shows that modular construction companies are moving away from engagement as a (albeit main or single) contractor but into a housebuilder model where particular care is given to the long-term strategic goals of regeneration.

It is also significant that this latest announcement from the Government is being reported in the Times. Modular construction is a fairly niche topic and typically only people with an interest in housebuilding take note of these changes. However, given this is being reported in some of the mainstream media it shows how important this topic is becoming. The Government has certainly signaled its intention to back modular construction and it will be very interesting to see how the housebuilding industry evolves.

I will certainly keeping a close eye on how this develops as this continues to look like a serious shake-up of the industry.

The government has confirmed plans for a revolution in housebuilding

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/building-new-homes-to-be-moved-in-house-6fxz98fxp

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Government fully supports Modular Construction - What does this mean for traditional housebuilding? - Lexology

The Rugby City Council heard a report on the success of an emergency water main repair project at its regular meeting Oct. 5 at City Hall.

Jim Olson of engineering firm AE2S distributed maps and photos of the area where the pipe was repaired.

The contractor did a good job, Olson told the council.

However, Olson warned water main and pipe problems could happen again in the future. Time will tell when everything settles down whether that line will blow again, he said. Youll see in some of those pictures, all that asbestos cement pipe is pretty ragged. So, we do expect someday something bad to happen again. Knock on wood, I hope not.

Olson added, I would like to come to council next with a contour (diagram) from the six miles from the wells to the plant and show that to council where all the air valves are in the system.

The air valves are a big deal, Olson noted. I would like to explain that at a later date. There are 17 air valves between the 12-inch (pipe) where it transitions to 14 inch (pipe), and then 10 inch (pipe). I was looking at the contour map today with 17 air valves; we dont know where some of them are. I know where they are on the map. Some of them may be buried; some of them may never have been operating properly. Thats a direct reflection on why bad things happen. Ill leave it at that. You guys have got a lot on your plate tonight. We can talk about that another day.

Olson also discussed problems he noticed along the line where collars connecting older pipe with newer PVC pipe could leak. He also noted valves and other parts of water main infrastructure may be located in farmers fields and may suffer damage when run over by farm machinery.

Everybody can just be a little smarter on how pipelines and air valves work because youre the ones spending the money on it, Olson said. You can dump money into it until the cows come home but youve got to have air valves and proper piping coming from those wells to here.

I think its worth a conversation when youre ready, he said, adding, From the wells to the plant, if you were to replace that whole line, it would be between seven and ten million dollars. So, food for thought.

Olson explained that workers put some safety gate valves in the system so (Water Plant Supervisor Greg Boucher) can control it if something happens. He can shut off those valves. If something happens to the west, he can shut that one down on the north side and go down to the plant and isolate it. If something happens in the other direction, he has that.

The gate valves out in the field have that valve box sticking up, Olson noted. When you talk about farmers accidentally running things over, those valve boxes get picked off a lot.

Olson said the boxes should have barriers to let the farmer know that its there, or else hell pick it off, and all he has to do is pick off the top. Thats not a man hole. Its just a valve box.

Mayor Sue Steinke reported an issue with easements from landowners near the pipeline repair. She thanked Olson for bringing a surveyor out to the area to find an alternate way of repairing the pipeline. Steinke said the surveyor found the location of the easement.

In other business, the council considered a second reading of City Ordinance 428, which appropriated monies to various city operating funds.

The council also approved first readings of Ordinances 429 and 430, which provided definitions of modular and manufactured homes, and zoned where such buildings could be located.

Ordinance 429 extends city zoning authority to any quarter-quarter section of unincorporated territory if a majority of the quarter-quarter section is located within one mile of the corporate limits of the City of Rugby.

The ordinance also states, The citys zoning authority will only permit manufactured homes to be situated in R-3 mobile home park districts or R-1 mobile home district. All other areas within the citys zoning will not be permitted.

The ordinance includes a grandfather clause that applies to existing manufactured home structures in other zoning districts. Existing manufactured homes in non-mobile home districts may be replaced only by structures correctly permitted in the zoning district of the property. Modular homes or off-site built homes will be permitted based on zoning district requirements.

Your mobile homes need to go in the mobile home park, and shipping containers need to go in the industrial area, Steinke said. Thats the bottom line.

The council also accepted a certificate of dedication of streets and easements to Gary Kirchofner and other owners of mobile home park property in the Berdahl First Subdivision within the city. Kirchofner appeared before the council to answer questions.

The council also heard reports from city committees.

Council member Joel Berg reported the recreation committee saw work begin Oct. 5 on a drain tile project near the recreation complex. Berg estimated the project would take about two to three weeks.

Dave Bednarz of the city public works committee updated the council on a city sidewalk project. So far, since the program started, we have replaced 49 sidewalks in the city of Rugby, he said. Weve done some sidewalks near businesses and replaced (sidewalks) near Ellery Park. This year, so far, we have seven new sidewalks and we still have around $11,000 to use if someones interested in a 50/50 sidewalk, he added, describing an arrangement where property owners pay half the cost of a sidewalk.

The public safety committee reported hearing citizen concerns about parking regulations for commercial vehicles. The committee recommended putting signage in residential areas stating commercial vehicle parking is prohibited in those neighborhoods.

The council also discussed concerns with property near Ellery Park that was heavily damaged by a fire last spring.

Joel Berg reported he had discussed repairs needed on the Rugby Armory with Olson of AE2S.

City Attorney William Hartl also reported slow progress made on the Rugbys Municode project, which will put city ordinances into an electronic database.

Laurie Odden of the Rugby Convention and Visitors Bureau also appeared before the council to report the CVB had named Ashley Berg as its new president and Jarett Lovcik as its vice president.

In other business, the council approved an agreement to sponsor community open skating on Sunday nights from 6-9 p.m. at Al Wentz Arena.

The council also approved a permit application request by Gary Laughridge to place an antique windmill on his property within the extraterritorial zone, a tax abatement request by two Rugby residents and a request for support of a project by the Good Samaritan Health Services Foundation to update an elevator in the Heart of America Medical Center.

The council approved raffle permits for Rugby First, the Rugby CVB and Little Flower Catholic Daughters.

The council also approved a proclamation naming Oct. 10 Arbor Day for the city of Rugby.

Additionally, the council voted to issue an invitation for bids to rent plots of city-owned agricultural land. Sealed bids to rent the land will be accepted at City Hall until 2 p.m. Oct. 30.

Steinke also thanked Liz Heisey for her work as executive director of the Rugby Job Development Authority.

The Rugby City Council will hold its next regular meeting Monday, Nov. 2, at 7:30 p.m. in City Hall.

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Council hears of water main repair success | News, Sports, Jobs - Pierce County Tribune