By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
Work has restarted on a housing estate in Arnold after progress stalled when the developer behind it collapsed into administration.
Ilke Homes, which was based in Yorkshire, went into administration in June last year while it was working on 131 homes in Rolleston Drive.
Ilke had been building the homes for housing association Jigsaw, and the scheme was being funded substantially through Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency.
Deliveries of Ilke’s modular homes, which were built in a factory before being transported directly to the Arnold site by lorry, first began in 2022 but work suddenly stopped with many of the units in position.
In July Jigsaw Homes Midlands said Midlands-based Morro Partnerships had been appointed as the new contractor and added work would begin by the end of the month.
A spokesperson for Jigsaw confirmed on Thursday, August 1 groundwork had started.
“Groundworkers have started on the site this week to clear it,” the spokesperson said.
“This is expected to take around four weeks and work to the homes can then get underway.”
A total of 85 homes will be made available for affordable rent, helping to reduce Gedling Borough Council’s housing waiting list.
The Labour-run authority said the collapse of Ilke was not expected and came less than two weeks before the first residents were due to move in.
Cllr Jenny Hollingsworth (Lab), Portfolio Holder for Growth and Regeneration, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Clearly we are absolutely delighted that work is commencing. It caused issues for everyone.
“We are very supportive of it because of the social housing it is providing.”
Ilke’s website remains online, and features a statement saying trademarks, design property, modular stock, and technology patents have since been purchased by a new company called Homespace.
