Date published: 2024-11-14 | Category: Bath, council housing, Delivering for local residents, Housing
A former residential home which was converted into purpose-built accommodation for homeless households in Bath and North East Somerset has been recognised at a local property awards ceremony.
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s property company, Aequus Group was given the Residential Development award at this year’s Bath Property Awards.
The judges praised the development as a “unique, exceptional project that addresses (the) needs of the homeless in a distinctive, collaborative way backed by a smart business model”.
The accommodation, which opened earlier this year, provides appropriate supported accommodation for households that have become homeless, often at short notice and where the council has a duty to accommodate them. It is managed directly by the council’s Housing Services with dedicated housing staff present each day offering support and advice.
Councillor Matt McCabe, Cabinet Member for Built Environment and Sustainable Development, said, “We are very proud to be recognised for this development. One of the council’s key priorities is providing the right homes in the right place and since the completion of this property we have been able to help an increasing number of households, including families, who are homeless or about to lose their home by providing high quality temporary accommodation.”
Bath and North East Somerset has seen an increase in the number of households who are homeless or about to lose their home due to rising rental costs and the cost of living and an increase in the number of evictions from private rental accommodation. Since the site opened in winter 2024, the council has supported 31 households, with 15 households moving on to permanent accommodation.
Sally Higham, Chair of Aequus Group, said: “We are very pleased to receive this award and that we were able to redevelop the site to help vulnerable people. The property was designed and built to meet AECB Energy Efficiency Standards and fitted with solar panels and an air source heat pump”.
The majority of residents only stay in the accommodation for a few months while they are assessed and supported, prior to moving to a permanent home.
ENDS
Photo © Simon Lees Photography