Council awards urgent £60k water hygiene contract for homeless housing unit
Ipswich Borough Council has approved a £59,978 contract to implement new water piping at East Villa, its 45-room temporary housing facility for homeless families on Sidegate Lane, Ipswich.
The big picture: The council is moving quickly to replace old piping and maintain water hygiene standards at the site, which houses vulnerable residents, including children.
- The contract was awarded to Ingleton Wood without the usual market testing process due to urgency.
- Work will include designing new hot and cold water supplies based on specialist advice.
- The project aims to mitigate safety risks and potential financial losses from delays.
Why it matters: East Villa provides critical temporary housing for homeless families in Ipswich, with 80% of rooms designated for those with children.
- The facility opened in August 2019 and is staffed 24/7.
- It includes communal areas, laundry facilities and an enclosed garden.
- Maintaining proper water hygiene is essential for residents' health and safety.
Between the lines: The council consulted water hygiene specialist Nemco, who advised that completely re-piping the water supply was the only viable solution.
What's next: Ingleton Wood will carry out the design work in four stages:
- Options appraisal
- Design and specification
- Procurement support
- Contract management
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