Revamped building brings flats to relieve homeless pressure

Three single-bed units have come on stream in Grantham for South Kesteven District Council to accommodate our most vulnerable homeless individuals.

This follows extensive redevelopment of a property with Homes England funding of £62,000.

The units, running by the River Witham opposite the Welham Street development are developed to an excellent specification in a prime location in town to ensure that key support and facilities can be accessed during challenging times in an individual’s life.

The units are fully furnished to meet basic needs and add much needed extra properties to enable the council to offer accommodation as part of our statutory obligations to support homeless people. 

One of the units was previously Radio Witham studios.

Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, Cllr Phil Dilks, said: “SKDC works both with the homeless and with those at risk of becoming homeless.

“This accommodation offers a more stable environment than the hotels or B&Bs that we currently use and will give individuals a real opportunity to make changes to their current circumstances.

“People will be supported through a personal housing plan to enable security and future stabilisation, this could include access to education and or employment and future secure accommodation.

“Ultimately, our role is to prevent homelessness wherever possible, by helping those at risk to solve whatever problems may lead to an individual or family becoming homeless.”

The funding enabled redevelopment of a former derelict building adding much needed one bedroom accommodation to SKDC’s housing portfolio.

Cllr Dilks added: “By purchasing and developing a derelict building the council has made a difference, helping to improve its neighbourhoods and grow communities.”

The units are owned by the Council and form part of its temporary accommodation offer, relieving the burdens on the current homelessness crisis that has an increasing impact on the District.

Anyone currently homeless should call the Council on 01476 40 60 80 for assistance. If you have nowhere to stay tonight and it is outside of our usual office hours, please call our Emergency Helpline:  01476 59 00 44.