Hopestead Place for homeless people opens in Ipswich

Hopestead Place, on Felixstowe Road in Ipswich, can accommodate nine homeless people.

The homes, founded by Hopestead, were opened by the former hostage and humanitarian, Sir Terry Waite. 

Two brand-new modular homes, located at Hopestead Place on Felixstowe Road in Ipswich, can accommodate nine homeless people, Supplied (Image: Supplied)

Flat roof waterproofing company, Axter Ltd, has partnered with local homelessness charity, Emmaus Suffolk, to make the new modular housing units for vulnerable people energy bill-free, which can be achieved through solar photovoltaic panels.  

Axter donated nine solar PV units, as well as provided design and specification, while Tamaris Roofing covered the cost of their installation.

Claire Staddon, CEO at Emmaus Suffolk, said: “We had no idea the kind of scale that this project would involve; just buying two modular units premade seemed like a simple option, but there's a huge amount of additional work getting the utilities set up.  

Claire Staddon Emmaus Suffolk CEO and Axter team, Supplied (Image: Supplied)

“It was fantastic that Axter offered us the opportunity to install solar panels so they can be essentially net zero. We can now house two vulnerable house individuals in a real home setting, each with the dignity of their own front door. 

“Local businesses that care about the community, like Axter, make such a difference. I can only applaud them and thank them for their ongoing support.” 

Hopestead Place has been officially opened, Supplied (Image: Supplied)

Charlotte Saunders of Axter added: “Having been a Suffolk-based business for 30 years, we are part of the community, and partnership with Emmaus is one way we're working to make life better for people across the county. 

“Mental health issues and homelessness are key concerns in the construction industry, yet another reason this project meant so much to the team.  

Sir Terry Waite officially opened two modular homes at Hopestead Place on Felixstowe Road, Supplied (Image: Supplied)

“We're delighted to have partnered with charities like Emmaus Suffolk, and Mind Suffolk and the Suffolk Community Foundation too. We aim to help these charities expand the great work they already do for so many people.”