Pictured above: (l-r) Richard Cornes, partnerships
director, William Davis Ltd; Lesley Wearing, director of housing,
Northampton Borough Council; Carl Larter, director of new business
and development, Midland Heart; Councillor Sally Beardworth,
cabinet member for housing at Northampton Borough Council and Tom
Murtha, chief executive officer, Midland Heart
Loughborough-based contractor and developer, William Davis Ltd
has been appointed contractor on a multi-million pound support
scheme, which is set to revolutionise homelessness services in
Northampton.
Situated on Campbell Street in the heart of the town centre, the
project marks the third contract win in 18 months for William Davis
to work in partnership with leading housing, support and
regeneration organisation, Midland Heart.
The plans will now move ahead following confirmation of funding
from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) - the national housing
and regeneration agency. Around £2.8m will be invested
through the HCA's Places of Change and National Affordable Housing
Programmes to help deliver the project.
Designed to consolidate and improve the existing provision for
the town's homeless population, the new scheme will act as a
multi-functional site, bringing accommodation at Acorn House and
daytime drop-in facilities at the Hope Centre under one roof,
whilst incorporating additional community and support services.
The new housing provision which has a construction contract
value of £4.25m, will comprise 48 units of accommodation,
including 39 self-contained apartments, nine emergency units and
four dog kennels, replacing the current provision at Acorn House of
31 units, including a seven-bed dormitory plus additional support
services.
Plans for the site also include a day centre, IT suite, arts and
crafts centre, kitchen garden, housing advice service and training
facilities, all designed to motivate and engage individuals in
overcoming barriers to independent living. In addition,
social enterprise initiatives will provide a secure environment to
work with and integrate with members of the community.
In delivering the project, William Davis and Midland Heart will
work closely with partners Northampton Borough Council, The Homes
and Communities Agency, Northamptonshire County Council Supporting
People, which is part of its Places of Change commitment, the Hope
Centre, NAASH (Northampton Association for Accommodation for Single
Homeless), CAN (Council on Addiction in Northampton), YMCA (Young
Men's Christian Association), and the Northampton Homeless
Forum.
Richard Cornes, partnerships director, William Davis said: "To
be signing contracts on our third major scheme in the past eighteen
months on behalf of Midland Heart is a testament to the sound
partnership that has developed and the confidence that has grown
between us.
"This prestigious development not only draws on the experience
that William Davis has gained in this sector throughout its 75
years in construction but also addresses the enormous need for this
type of provision in Northamptonshire."
Carl Larter, director for new business and development, Midland
Heart, said: "This scheme will act as a gateway to services for
Northampton's homeless population, signposting what is available
and harnessing expertise across our partnership which will result
in a real force for change.
"We are delighted to welcome William Davis onboard and look
forward to joining with them in delivering a scheme which will set
the precedent for homelessness provision in the area."
Councillor Sally Beardsworth, Northampton Borough Council's
cabinet member for housing, added: "Homeless people are among the
most vulnerable in our society and we need to give them the right
support so they can get their lives back on track.
"We are delighted to have appointed such an experienced,
visionary contractor, and look forward to making our plans a
reality."
Work on demolishing the existing buildings on Maple Street in
preparation for the new centre is expected to start later this
year.