Shipping containers have been ingeniously transformed into homes as part of a new block of temporary housing for people and families in need of emergency accommodation.
Meath Court is due to get its first residents later this month after the launch on Thursday, 7 December.
The development in Hope Gardens, Acton, consists of 60 self-contained units and will provide temporary homes for up to 288 people.
This is the second such block constructed in the borough for Ealing Council by QED Sustainable Urban Developments and is almost double the size of the other one, Marston Court, which opened in early 2017 with 34 units.
National changes to benefit rules, alongside steeply rising rents, has resulted in increasing numbers of people becoming homeless and turning to the council for help.
The 60 homes at Meath Court include 32 with two bedrooms, 20 with one bedroom and also eight studio homes. Each has its own kitchenette, shower room, and front door. There will also be a management office and laundry unit. Meath Court was an underused site and had been identified for long-term redevelopment after 2024 but, because of the unprecedented and chronic demand for housing, it was decided to use it for temporary accommodation in the interim.
‘A BIG ACHIEVEMENT’
Councillor Jasbir Anand, the council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Having the second temporary accommodation scheme open in the same year is a big achievement. The council is doing all it can to meet the needs of the residents who are unfortunately homeless.
“We look forward to welcoming the new residents in December. The feedback from Marston Court has been positive and we’re certain residents moving into Meath Court will feel the same.”
QED Sustainable Urban Developments managing director Ross Gilbert said: “The new development will bring vacant brownfield land back into productivity to deliver ready-to-live-in accommodation for those most in need.”
For more information on how the council can work with residents and landlords to prevent homelessness, go to www.ealing.gov.uk and search ‘homelessness’.
