Herbert Collins House, Southampton

The development of Herbert Collins House holds significant importance for us, as Herbert Collins set up Swaythling Housing Society back in 1925 and the building was its former head office. In 2006 Swaythling Housing Society partnered with two other housing associations to become Radian and now Abri. The new plans will help to continue Collins’ mission to provide affordable housing in Southampton and across the south and south west of England.

The development consists of a collection of three one bedroom and 11 two bedroom apartments available for social rent. There is parking available for 25 cars with two electric car charging points in the rear parking area and photovoltaics are fitted on the roof.

One home is fully wheelchair accessible. We’ve worked with Southampton’s Occupational Therapist on the design which includes a fully adapted kitchen with a worktop that can be electronically lowered or raised. All switches and sockets are at an accessible height, electric openers are fitted on windows that can’t easily be reached. Additional high-level sockets for future hoists and electric powered doors have also been fitted.

The building has been designed to achieve a high level of thermal insulation with non-combustible wall insulation and insulation within the floor and roof. This is to provide excellent thermal properties and to help reduce energy bills for customers.

As part of the build process with our inhouse construction team we recruited five electrician apprentices to work on the site and across Abri. We also supported four people into employment and funded five residents to complete Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) training and receive their cards. We also supported two college students to do work experience with our construction and development team. Within the community we delivered 150 wellbeing sessions and conducted nine careers sessions in schools and to people that were unemployed.

In the video below hear from John Kelly our Production Director and Gift Ngubane, our Employment Support Advisor about the build.

“As Herbert Collins House has been such a key part of our heritage it’s great to ensure the legacy continues with the provision of affordable homes that appropriately match the standards of our founder. Herbert Collins was committed to creating communities with high quality housing and these new homes exemplify that ethos and fit within the heart of the community.”

Stephen Lodge, Executive Director of Development and Strategic Asset Management, Abri