Two major Greenwich Council home-building projects have been delayed because a sub-contractor has gone into administration.

Modpods International had been appointed by Elkins, the main contractor, to build homes at Sam Manners House in east Greenwich and the Brook Estate in Kidbrooke as part of its Greenwich Builds programme to build 1,750 new council homes. 

But the Coventry-based modular builder went into administration on August 12, a month after making all its 122 staff redundant.

Modpods built all its homes off-site, which were then delivered and slotted into place. It had already completed projects in Birmingham and Coventry, Inside Housing reported.

But it became one of a number of modular builders that have hit trouble in recent years because of supply chain problems following the pandemic and the UK’s exit from the EU, delaying building projects across the country, including those in the Greenwich Builds programme.

Ironically, modular construction was chosen, in part, because of its speed – homes can be constructed in just a few days. Instead, a number of schemes that should have been finished by now are running well behind schedule.

Both the Sam Manners and Brook Estate projects were controversial with their neighbours, who in both cases criticised the way the council consulted them about the schemes as it sought to rush them through and get them built. 

Plans for 32 homes on the site of Sam Manners House, an 1970s sheltered accommodation block, were approved nearly four years ago despite criticism from some councillors. The project is now known as Thorne Path. The 80 new homes in Kidbrooke are being built on what was formerly green space off Rochester Way, between the two halves of the Brook Estate. 

Elkins sign on half-finished block
Elkins, the lead contractor, had appointed Modpods. Image: The Greenwich Wire

A Greenwich Council spokesperson told The Greenwich Wire: “Greenwich Builds uses a variety of contractors to add diversity and manage risk across its programme.

“Modpods going into administration is frustrating news that sadly will delay delivery of some of our new council homes.

“The council is working with Elkins to understand how it will manage the impact of Modpods’ administration and agree a solution to getting the homes built as soon as possible. We understand that for neighbours and residents around these affected sites it prolongs the uncertainty. As soon as we have a clear way forward, we will share this with local residents.

“In the broader national context, Modpods are one of many established modular house building businesses that has gone into administration in recent years across the country with the industry struggling with cost inflation and supply chain challenges.”

Modern homes facing terraces
The new Thorne Path homes face traditional Greenwich terraces. Image: The Greenwich Wire

Another reason for the council choosing modular construction for its first tranche of Greenwich Builds homes was the very high standards of insulation on offer. 

One couple who had moved into a new development in Coventry told Mail Online that their Modpods home saved them money on energy bills. They also said that their home was so quiet that it was “like a morgue”.