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# Council awards urgent £60k water hygiene contract for homeless housing unit
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/council-awards-urgent-water-hygiene-contract-for-homeless-housing-unit/
- Published: 2024-10-10T11:03:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:33:14.000Z
- Description: 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.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Councils, Homelessness, #article, Ipswich Borough Council, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**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.

![East Villa](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1728486913-sidegate-lane-homeless-housing-1.jpg)

East Villa is a 45-room temporary housing facility for homeless families on Sidegate Lane, Ipswich. Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)

**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:

1. Options appraisal
2. Design and specification
3. Procurement support
4. Contract management

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