Sussex-based housing firm Goscombe has partnered with OSCO Homes to bring investment in modular housing to Sussex.
Together, the partnership will build and operate a production facility, with an embedded skills training academy, to deliver new social and affordable homes to the region.
Following an extensive market search, of over 150 UK and European manufacturers using modern methods of construction (MMC), Goscombe selected OSCO Homes due to “their genuine commitment to social impact, professional rigour, and the quality of their homes”.
OSCO Homes utilises innovative technology and the latest engineering solutions to create off-site homes that combine quality and efficiency.
The inward investment of £10m into Sussex will create 300 local jobs, an apprenticeship academy, academic opportunities, grassroots local charity investment, and will build up to a production capacity of 500 homes every year.
The partnership will create over £100m of economic and social value, delivering tangible social impact for the benefit of Sussex people and their communities.
Alistair Wickens, Goscombe founder and CEO, said: “Goscombe is not only bringing innovative housing expertise into the heart of Sussex, but as a profit-with purpose organization.
“We will do business differently by placing social value at the very core of our model.
“When the scale of our social impact is combined with the affordability of our homes, it is clear we have a powerful economic model which is hugely significant for local authorities.”
Gwen Beeken, OSCO Homes managing director, said: “Goscombe has developed a way of delivering quality homes in tandem with a very significant and genuine investment into the social welfare and communities of Sussex. Their approach is unique, and we’re delighted to have been selected as their partner.”
Philip Johnson, director at Locate East Sussex, said: “It’s great to see investment delivered at this scale by a Sussex-based company.
“There are already a number of local authorities and private developers in discussion with Goscombe, which will keep the new production hub busy for many years to come, giving employment to local people and driving the local supply chain here in East Sussex.”
Chris Moore, head of Planning and Enabling (South East) at Homes England, said: “The Goscombe model has the potential to radically change the way affordable housing is delivered and sustainable communities are created.”
Goscombe is an Eastbourne-based company, established in 2018, with a ‘hyper-local’ model for housing. It is a local business with a focus on Sussex; and uses local suppliers, employees, and skills training to create homes for local people.
Goscombe’s profits are redistributed to its charitable partner, Trelis. In turn, Trelis provides disadvantaged local people with opportunities, support, and training to gain meaningful work; and gives assistance to local community organisations geared toward strengthening local communities.
Image: Anze Furlan/Shutterstock
Read next: Platform Housing Group supports Holocaust Memorial Day
Are you a social housing professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.