On a sun-drenched afternoon, Mitchell Place – Transform’s pioneering modular housing project – officially opened its doors to a group of 30 interested guests. The event marked a significant milestone for Transform, showcasing its commitment to innovative housing solutions for homeless single parents and young people in need of support.
The ceremony brought together representatives from offsite modular builders Rollalong, project managers Playle and Partners and one of the development’s key funders, Surrey County Council. Together with Transform colleagues, they celebrated the completion of this groundbreaking project.
Guests were given an exclusive tour of two of the completed flats which are designed to meet the specific needs of their residents. A young mother, proudly holding her five-month-old son, shared her gratitude with visitors as she guided them through her new home which she moved into just a few weeks ago. "This place has truly changed my life," she said.
Following the tours, Transform Chief Executive Lawrence Santcross thanked the contractors and said how thrilled the organisation was to have been able to develop Mitchell Place. “We are dedicated to meeting the needs of the communities we serve by providing affordable social housing and tailored support,” he emphasised. “These eight, meticulously designed flats, along with the support we’re offering, will empower clients both today, and in the future, to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
Iain Steele, Project Director at Rollalong, highlighted the innovative nature of the project’s construction. “Mitchell Place is a modular build, meaning the units were constructed off-site and then brought in by crane and assembled,” he explained. “This sustainable, cutting-edge method is extremely energy efficient, providing long-term benefits – including reduced costs – for clients.”
Hayley Poynter Fenning, Partner and Architect, and Sarah Young, Architect and Interior Designer from Playle and Partners, shared insights into the project’s design process. Hayley underscored the significance of Mitchell Place’s all-women project team. “Gender equality in construction remains a challenge, with only 1% of skilled tradespeople and 16% of senior positions being held by women,” she noted. “This project demonstrates the power of female leadership in driving positive change.”
Sarah elaborated on the design philosophy, emphasising the creation of functional, practical and aesthetically pleasing homes. “Every aspect of these flats was designed with the residents’ wellbeing in mind, from ample living spaces to thoughtfully integrated amenities,” she said.
The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt moment as former Transform Chief Executive Paul Mitchell – after whom the new development is named – unveiled a commemorative plaque. “I feel humbled and it’s such an honour to have this key, new development named after me,” he said.
“Mitchell Place is the realisation of a dream that began in 1998 with the creation of Chaucer Court, the ‘sister’ building to this one, so I am delighted that Transform, Rollalong and Playle and Partners have been able to bring this vision to life and using such sustainable, modern construction methods. I know Mitchell Place will be hugely appreciated by all who live here and call it home.”
As the green velvet curtain fell away, revealing the plaque, the guests applauded marking the beginning of a new chapter for Transform and the residents of Mitchell Place. Lawrence Santcross stressed that alongside Transform’s own financial contribution, this project could not have been brought to fruition without the generous funding provided by Homes England, Surrey County Council, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and charity bodies The Wolfson Foundation and the Peter Harrison Foundation.
“Mitchell Place stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation and a steadfast commitment to providing affordable accommodation and community wellbeing support,” he said.
