Homeless families could be using the shipping container homes this year

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New images have revealed what new shipping container homes for homeless people in Cardiff will look like.

Work is set to begin this month to set up 13 shipping container homes in the former PDSA site in Bute Street to provide temporary accommodation for families until more permanent housing can be found.

There will be seven two-bedroom homes, comprising of a 40ft and a 20ft container, and six one-bedroom homes, made from a 40ft container.

Each will have solar panels, a sprinkler system, and private and communal amenity space for residents. The two-bed units will have direct access to a fenced garden so children have a safe space to play and the first-floor one-bed units will all have a roof terrace and a front door.

Site preparation works are due to start this month, with the delivery of the containers scheduled for June. The build is then expected to take 20 weeks.

Cadwyn Housing Association is developing the scheme on behalf of Cardiff Council.

Kath Palmer, Cadwyn Housing’s chief executive, said: "We need to find new ways of providing safe and secure accommodation for our homeless families in Cardiff and this project provides much needed temporary housing whilst a longer term housing solution can be found."

The container homes have been designed so they can be moved easily to an alternative location in the future, either all together or in smaller groups to different sites.

There will be a 10-week supervised construction training programme for local people with responsibility for fitting out a complete container.

Cardiff council also plans to set up eight more shipping container homes for homeless families at Greenfarm hostel in Ely.

Lynda Thorne, Cardiff council cabinet member for housing and communities, said the shipping containers were a cost-effective solution to providing homes for those in need in the city.

Inside the Bristol container site for homeless which is changing lives

“The energy-efficient homes provide us with a greater level of flexibility compared to traditional builds as we can respond to changing demand by relocating and reusing the units elsewhere," she added.

"I’m delighted that the start of work is imminent and look forward to seeing the new homes in the near future.”

Cadwyn has also worked with  Tony King Architects, Willis Construction and Lion Containers. Artwork by pupils at St Mary The Virgin C.I.W. Primary School can be seen on hoarding that has been erected around the site.