New Homes in New Ways exhibition drives momentum to accelerate the delivery of new social rent homes
“The New Homes in New Ways exhibition is an important opportunity to tell the story of how Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) has the potential to help address the UK’s severe shortfall of social rent homes and Temporary Accommodation crisis. I hope that this exhibition acts as a provocation to all of us, to recognise that we need a step change, and that we are collectively responsible for that change.” - Jez Sweetland, Project Director, Housing Festival
Chris Jackson
In October 2024, Building Centre and Housing Festival launched ‘New Homes in New Ways – Collaboration and Innovation through Modern Methods of Construction,’ an exhibition that tells the story of how Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) can accelerate the delivery of new social rent homes as part of an ecosystem solution.
The exhibition launched on the 24th October with a private viewing and drinks reception, with speeches by Marcus Ralling, Chief Investment Officer of Homes England and Francesca Albanese, executive director of policy and social change at Crisis among others, who recognised the UK’s devastating shortfall of social rent homes and growing temporary accommodation crisis.
Visitors to the exhibition are invited to experience a real-life temporary accommodation room set and listen to audio stories from former residents. However, the exhibition takes you on a journey from despair to hope by presenting a three-strand ecosystem solution, demonstrating the opportunity for the public sector to incubate a new supply chain of factory-manufactured housing, unlock ‘unlikely’ land and rethink the economics.
Thanks to the inspiring work of the numerous partners, the exhibition includes case studies, expert talking heads and full-scale installations which collectively demonstrate that between us we have the resources, creativity and skills to deliver the high-quality and genuinely affordable new homes we need at pace - today.
The exhibition is free to enter, and the programme will run until 21st February 2025. As of today, it is now possible to explore the full exhibition including all the audio-visual content from your own device, with a brand-new virtual walk-around available here.
Housing Festival and Building Centre will also host a two-day summit on the 12th and 13th February to bring together local authorities, housing commissioners and the MMC housing supply ecosystem to mobilise the delivery of social rent homes on small sites. Speakers include representatives from the house of Lords, Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, and other thought leaders and pioneers in this space.
More information on the exhibition:
https://www.housingfestival.org.uk/new-homes-new-ways
More information about the Summit:
https://www.housingfestival.org.uk/summit
More information on the Social Rent Housing Playbook: