New 'Ikea'-style homes development in Hartlepool will see houses built in factory and assembled on site

Members of Thirteen’s new homes delivery team outside one of the modular houses at the factory in Knaresborough.

That is because 31 homes coming to Newholm Court, off Seaton Lane, will be built 50 miles away in a factory.

The ‘modular’ homes will be built off site complete with fitted kitchens, bathrooms, electrics and brickwork, before being transported to the site where they will be lifted by crane on to the foundations.

They will be managed by Thriteen, who are one of the region’s largest housing providers.

The edge of part of the site where Thirteen is due to build new affordable homes.

The unusual construction process is said to be up to twice as quick as traditional building on site.

Hartlepool Borough Council granted planning permission in October for the 31 two and three-bedroom properties on two separate plots of land off Lealholm Road.

Thirteen chief executive Ian Wardle said: “Using this modern method of construction offers a process that’s quicker, more environmentally friendly and results in a truly high-quality home for customers.

“The homes will be built off site in a factory, where they’ll be fully fitted with kitchens, bathrooms, heating, electrics, roofs, brickwork, flooring, stairs etc.

“Once the foundations have been completed the homes will be delivered to site and then lifted onto the foundations by crane.

“It’s really exciting for all involved.”

The development is being delivered by Thirteen in partnership with utility company Engie and ilke Homes who will build the homes at their factory in Knaresborough in North Yorkshire.

Andrew McIntosh, regional managing director at Engie said they were delighted to bring their expertise to the project.

Colleagues from Thirteen recently visited the factory to see how the homes are built.

Stuart Poulter, development co-ordinator for the scheme, said: “On the day we visited the weather was dreadful, but work continued. If these properties were being built on a construction site there would have been delays due to the weather.

“There was a show home at the end of the factory visit and you couldn’t tell that it was a modular home.

“This is an incredibly exciting times for Thirteen and the construction industry and we should embrace the innovation of modular building.”