The Accord group of housing associations is building an assembly hub to manufacturer timber houses. It is expected to produce enough panels for 150 houses a year. Currently it imports the panels form Norway.
The Accord Group includes Accord, Ashram, Caldmore and Moseley & District Housing Associations as well as Fry Housing Trust and Redditch Co-operative Homes.
Accord Group chief executive Dr Chris Handy and Walsall councillor Adrian Andrew are signing contracts today for Accord to take renovate a derelict five-acre factory site in the borough. Planning permission was given last month.
Chris Handy said: “For a number of years now we have been building timber homes using panels imported from Norway. It is fantastic that we are now working with the council to replicate this model in Walsall, in order to construct timber panels ourselves and produce low carbon housing for local people that is cheap to run.
“Importantly the factory will also contribute significantly to supporting the local economy, creating jobs for local people and reverse the decline in manufacturing in the region.”
Cllr Andrew, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to work very positively with Accord Housing to create a national centre of excellence for building low carbon houses that will contribute to tackling some of the fuel poverty issues that people face.
“This is a great conclusion from an idea that I instigated and I have been happy to play a personal role in bringing this exciting international opportunity into Walsall.”
The Accord Group has already completed three developments using these low carbon timber homes using panels imported from Norway. Energy bills for these homes, which are nationally acclaimed, cost on average 50% less than traditionally built properties of the same size.
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