Offsite housebuilder to develop 40 homes on land owned by the UK rail infrastructure operator

Modular housebuilder Ilke has signed a deal to provide 40 homes for Network Rail as part of a new strategy to make better use of the infrastructure giant’s neglected landholdings.

ilke Homes factory homes on production line

The deal, to develop and build 40 homes in on a 2.2-acre site in Beeston, Nottinghamshire, is the first Network Rail have signed with a modular housing provider.

Under the deal, Ilke will take control of the land and provide the homes, subject to winning planning consent.

The scheme will see any profits made by Network Rail re-invested in the UK’s rail network.

David Biggs, managing director, Network Rail Property, said: “By joining forces with ilke Homes on the redevelopment of this brownfield site, we are able to deliver sustainable housing in a growing area, with brilliant access to transport.

“The development not only supports the government’s strategy to accelerate the rollout of modular housing but will also drive local economic growth.”

The deal follows a similar agreement signed in June to develop a scheme of 120 modular homes for housing association Stonewater. In May the business announced the opening of three new regional offices – in London, Bristol and Birmingham – and appointed a former Crest Nicholson executive to head up a new “homes and development” business unit.

However, it also follows news that Ilke has started a redundancy consultation with staff due to slower than expected demand in the wake of the covid crisis.