Rixonway Kitchens to Support Innovative Social Eco-Homes Scheme

Published by JenCooke for Acceleris Marketing Communications in Housing and also in Environment

Rixonway Kitchens Selected to Work with First ALMO to Receive Housing Corporation’s Social Housing Grant

Rixonway Kitchens is partnering with the first Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) in the UK to receive a Social Housing Grant from the Homes and Communities Agency to build a series of new properties. The project in Stockport will achieve level 3 of the ‘Code for Sustainable Homes’ which measures the sustainability of new homes.

Rixonway, a kitchen manufacturer dedicated to community regeneration, will supply kitchens from its Trieste range for the first stage of Stockport Homes’ Brinnington development. The £1.02 million project comprises 17 modern timber-frame family and professional homes, of which two will be specifically designed for disabled residents, recognising the need for larger, quality homes in the area.

The project has been developed to meet the ‘Lifetime Homes’ and ‘Secure by Design’ standards as well as the Housing Corporation Association’s ‘Housing Quality’ standards.

Rixonway was selected, in part, as a supplier to the project due to its environmental principals and standards. Paul Rose, Chief Executive of Rixonway Kitchens, said: “We have become very aware of our environmental obligations and take our responsibilities very seriously. We are delighted to be involved with such a prestigious development and with a client who shares our commitment to tackling environmental challenges.

“We follow a number of environmental and sustainable practices throughout our production process, including a recycling service and converting all wood waste generated during the manufacturing process into Biomass fuel. As a testament to our hard work, we have been accredited with ISO14001:2004, the internationally recognised standard of effective environmental management.”

Mark Hudson, Stockport Homes’ Director of Technical Services, said: “Stockport Homes has enjoyed a successful and mutually rewarding relationship with Rixonway Kitchens over the course of our Decent Homes Programme. As well as supplying a market leading product, Rixonway brings a wealth of experience, dedication and excellent customer focus to our relationship.

“There is a need to trust our suppliers to deliver an excellent customer service which befits a Three Star ALMO. Rixonway delivers this with an excellent service underpinned by a willingness to embrace partnership working.”

The development’s procurement process follows the new GM Procure consortium supply chain methodology, meaning Stockport Homes was able to source major materials directly from manufacturers in order to reduce unit rates. In addition, contractor RBL Construction has signed up to the ‘considerate constructors’ scheme meaning it will employ a trainee to work on the scheme.

Last year, as a result of the efficiency savings of the GM Procure procurement-process, several local regeneration developments were delivered across Stockport utilising the ‘Sense of Place’ fund. They have focused on transforming communal spaces into high quality community focal points and offer themed garden features, landscaping and safe play areas, as well as clearing and replanting, new footpaths and improved car parking. All of which benefit the wider population. All of the schemes were prioritised and selected after consultation with local tenants and work is already underway planning similar schemes for this year.