Southwark’s First SoloHaus Modular Homes Help Homeless in South London

Key Points

• Southwark Council has unveiled the borough’s first self-contained modular homes in Bermondsey, specifically eight SoloHaus homes on Leroy Street, built on vacant council land previously occupied by garages.​
• The homes, provided by housebuilder The Hill Group, serve as a stepping stone for homeless individuals or those sleeping rough, enabling them to learn independent living and tenancy management before moving to private accommodation.​
• These are the first modular homes of their kind in Southwark, part of The Hill Group’s Foundation 200 philanthropic programme, a £15 million pledge to donate 200 modular homes nationwide to support homeless people.​
• SoloHaus units are designed for single occupants, fully furnished, with a 60-year lifespan, built to Future Homes Standards exceeding regulations on energy efficiency and sound insulation.
• The handover ceremony was attended by key figures including Councillor Sarah King, leader of Southwark Council; Councillor Helen Dennis (also spelled Denis in some reports), cabinet member for new homes and sustainable development; Andy Hill OBE, founder and group chief executive of The Hill Group; Mark Greenwood, deputy regional director at The Hill Group; Rory Lowings, SoloHaus project manager at The Hill Group; and Cain Peters, managing director of special projects at The Hill Group.
• Councillor Sarah King stated: “These temporary homes are a lifeline for people who have faced unimaginable challenges, and we’re proud to be working with The Hill Group to provide this essential support for homeless people in our borough. By working in partnership with Hill, we are delivering safe, high-quality temporary homes that offer dignity, hope, and a route to securing permanent, stable housing. This initiative reflects our commitment to becoming a good landlord, tackling homelessness and ensuring every Southwark resident has the chance to live in a decent home and build a secure future.”
• Andy Hill OBE said: “We are delighted to hand over these eight SoloHaus homes, providing stability, security and a fresh start for individuals who have experienced homelessness in Southwark. The delivery of these homes has been made possible through the collaboration of many dedicated partners, and I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved for their invaluable support. The homes at Leroy Street demonstrate the power of partnerships, and I hope they offer the residents a safe and supportive environment in which to rebuild their lives and move forward with confidence.”
• The homes aim to offer dignity, hope, and a place to call home, demonstrating positive impact in other communities where deployed.​
• Southwark Council expressed pride in opening these temporary modular homes in Bermondsey to support homeless people while securing permanent housing, as per their official social media update.​
• The initiative highlights public-private partnerships for rapid, high-quality housing solutions to combat homelessness.​

Bermondsey (South London News) Feb 3, 2026 – Southwark Council has unveiled its borough’s first self-contained modular homes on Leroy Street to assist homeless individuals in rebuilding their lives independently. The eight SoloHaus units, constructed by The Hill Group on former garage land, provide a crucial stepping stone for those ready to transition to private tenancies.​

What Are Southwark’s First Modular Homes?

These pioneering SoloHaus homes mark the inaugural deployment of such modular units in Southwark, tailored specifically for single occupants experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping. As detailed in coverage by MyLondon, the homes were built rapidly on vacant council-owned land in Bermondsey’s Leroy Street, transforming a site once used for garages into supportive housing. The Hill Group, known for similar schemes nationwide, delivered the fully furnished units ready for immediate installation on pre-prepared foundations.​

The modular design ensures longevity with a projected 60-year lifespan, surpassing standard building regulations through adherence to Future Homes Standards for superior energy efficiency and sound insulation. According to Housing Digital, these homes offer residents dignity, hope, and a stable base from which to learn essential life skills like tenancy management.

Who Built the Modular Homes and Why?

Housebuilder The Hill Group spearheaded the project as part of its Foundation 200 initiative, a £15 million commitment launched to design, manufacture, and donate 200 modular homes to organisations aiding the homeless across the UK. Show House magazine reported that the handover of these eight units to Southwark Council underscores the company’s philanthropic efforts to provide safe, comfortable, and independent living spaces.

The site selection in Bermondsey aligns with utilising underused council land, a strategy echoed in earlier Southwark plans for up to 15 council homes on Leroy Street, though this modular phase focuses on immediate homelessness relief. The Hill Group has noted significant positive impacts from SoloHaus deployments in other communities, reinforcing the model’s efficacy.

How Do These Homes Help the Homeless?

The SoloHaus homes function as temporary yet high-quality accommodation, acting as a bridge to permanent independent living by allowing residents to practise managing a private space. MyLondon emphasised that they enable individuals ready for such a step to regain control over their lives, addressing the immediate needs of those sleeping rough or in unstable situations.​

Councillor Sarah King, leader of Southwark Council, highlighted during the handover that these units deliver “dignity, hope, and a route to securing permanent, stable housing,” reflecting the borough’s pledge to tackle homelessness comprehensively. The fully furnished setup minimises barriers to entry, fostering stability and security essential for rebuilding lives.

What Was Said at the Handover Ceremony?

The official handover event in mid-January 2026 drew local dignitaries and Hill representatives for a ribbon-cutting and tours. As reported by Housing Digital, Councillor Sarah King welcomed guests and thanked partners, while Cain Peters, The Hill Group’s managing director of special projects, outlined the vision and proven community impacts.

Andy Hill OBE, founder and group chief executive, praised the collaborative effort:

“The delivery of these homes has been made possible through the collaboration of many dedicated partners, and I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved for their invaluable support.”

Key attendees included Councillor Helen Dennis (noted as Denis in some accounts), cabinet member for new homes and sustainable development; Mark Greenwood, deputy regional director; and Rory Lowings, SoloHaus project manager.

Where Exactly Are the Homes Located?

Nestled in Bermondsey on Leroy Street, the site was previously home to council garages, now repurposed for this vital housing project. Southwark Council’s services page confirms the location’s history in new homes development, with earlier proposals eyeing up to 15 units there. The position in Southwark, a South London borough, optimises access to support services while keeping residents close to community networks.

Social media from Southwark Labour and the council celebrated the construction and opening, noting pride in providing roofs over heads in Bermondsey while pursuing permanent solutions.

What Is the Foundation 200 Programme?

Foundation 200 represents The Hill Group’s £15 million philanthropic drive to combat homelessness through 200 donated modular homes. Show House detailed how Southwark’s allocation fits this broader ambition, showcasing scalable solutions via public-private ties.

The programme’s success in other areas, including rapid deployment and resident outcomes, bolsters confidence in Leroy Street’s potential. Housing Digital positioned it as exemplifying partnerships delivering “rapid, high-quality housing solutions” for those most in need.​

Are Similar Modular Homes Used Elsewhere in London?

While Southwark’s are the first SoloHaus in the borough, similar initiatives exist citywide; for instance, 33 SoloHaus units appeared in Haringey at Ermine Road, Tottenham, funded partly by the Greater London Authority. Time Out London covered these as London’s inaugural pod homes for rough sleepers on disused land, donated half by The Hill Group over five years.​

Earlier prototypes by the Pan-London Accommodation Collaborative Enterprise (PLACE) in Tower Hamlets tested modular units for homeless families, aiming for 200 across boroughs by 2022 with Mayor of London funding. Statements from Sir Steve Bullock, PLACE chair, and Tower Hamlets Mayor John Biggs praised the quality and innovation, though distinct from SoloHaus.​

What Challenges Does Homelessness Pose in Southwark?

Southwark grapples with housing pressures, prompting innovative responses like these modular homes. Councillor King framed them as a “lifeline” amid “unimaginable challenges,” aligning with borough goals to be a “good landlord.” The council’s commitment extends to ensuring “every Southwark resident has the chance to live in a decent home,” per official remarks.

What’s Next for the Leroy Street Site and Residents?

These temporary homes pave routes to permanence, with council support securing stable futures. Southwark’s social updates affirm ongoing efforts for permanent homes post-modular stay. The Hill Group anticipates continued positive trajectories, mirroring other sites.