A pioneering temporary accommodation site for homeless families in Wokingham Borough has won industry recognition.
The council’s highly energy-efficient scheme at Grovelands Park in Winnersh was named Best Residential Development in this year’s inaugural Royal Berkshire Property Awards. It was also highly commended as Best Low Carbon Project.
The awards were decided by a panel of 16 judges, including representatives of the local business and property sectors.
Grovelands Park comprises 23 two-bedroom timber-clad units, arranged in two storeys with their own entrances, allowing families to live safely and comfortably while awaiting somewhere permanent.
Each has its own toilet and bathroom with a fully furnished open-plan lounge, dining room, kitchen and internet access, and one will be specially adapted for improved disabled access.
The first phase, consisting of six units, was built last year and occupied shortly before Christmas, while the rest are on track for occupation by the end of this year.
The units replace 12 old mobile homes on the site, which would not have been economical to refurbish.
All have stringent fire safety measures and environmentally-friendly features that give them the highest possible Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A.
Cllr Stephen Conway, leader of Wokingham Borough Council, said: “It’s an honour to receive this award and I’d like to thank everyone involved in this project, from our own hard-working teams to our equally capable and dedicated contractors.
“Homelessness, or the threat of it, is a deeply distressing experience so we’re proud to be providing high-quality accommodation that allows our residents to stay close to the places where they work, attend school and have friends and relatives.
“By offering a safe and welcoming refuge, and alleviating at least some of the stress, we hope they’ll find it less challenging to contemplate their next steps as they seek a more permanent home.”
