Work underway on new short-term accommodation development
News release issued:
Work is underway on a new residential building which will provide help for people needing short-term accommodation.
Wyre Forest District Council is building the facility on the corner of Castle Road and New Road in Kidderminster. When complete it will provide temporary accommodation for people while the council works with them to secure a more permanent home. The authority is working with project managers Hive Projects and construction company Stepnell to deliver the 20 new accommodation units.
The three-storey building will have a shared kitchen diner and lounge areas on all floors and an outside space for residents. There will also be office space, parking and the site will be landscaped.
Councillor Ian Hardiman, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing, Health and Wellbeing said:
“The provision of short-term housing is a key part of our Corporate plan 2023-26 and the start of the works on the Castle Road scheme is a crucial milestone. We are focusing on supporting individuals into permanent housing and creating positive impacts within communities.
Stepnell is the council’s construction partner. Adrian Barnes, the company’s Regional Director said:
“This scheme will provide much needed residential space for the community addressing the need for short term accommodation. At Stepnell we pride ourselves in supporting the communities in which we live and work providing not only new facilities for the council but positive social value impacts in the community.”
Patrick Hickey is Associate Director at Hive Projects. The company has been appointed to project manage the scheme. He said:
“We are thrilled to be working with Wyre Forest District Council, and Stepnell on such a valuable and socially important project. This scheme, with its focus on providing short-term accommodation, is poised to make a meaningful difference to the lives of those it directly impacts.”
As the building work gets under way the council and its partners will collaborate with local organisations, enterprises, and community interest groups and make the most of opportunities that arise to help the new occupants.
The building work is likely to take around 12 months. It is hoped the build will be completed in early 2025.