A NEW residential block has been completed in Kidderminster to help those affected by homelessness, writes Maya Evans.
Millpond House will provide short-term accommodation for 20 people and aims to complete Wyre Forest District Council’s goal of reducing the number of people experiencing homelessness being placed in emergency bed and breakfasts and hotels.
Planning for the residence began back in 2022, with public sector property experts, led by Patrick Hickey at Make NW, investigating the feasibility of the project in Castle Road, Kidderminster town centre.
In February 2024, construction began on the 20 en-suite apartments, which include seven double bedroom flats, seven single bedroom flats and six flats for disabled people.
Mill Pond House, complete with rooftop solar panels for sustainability purposes, was delivered on time and on budget by the team led by development management consultancy Make NW and delivery partner Stepnell Construction on behalf of the council.
‘Great to see the support materialise’
Coun Chris Rogers, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for housing, health and wellbeing, said “It’s great to see Millpond House open its doors.
“The provision of short term housing is a key part of our Corporate Plan 2023-26, and the completion of Millpond House is a crucial milestone.
“We are supporting individuals to find permanent housing and creating a positive impact within our local community.”
The ever-increasing cost of temporary accommodation has become a growing national issue for local authorities across England.
The latest government data showed councils across England spent a total of £2.3billion on temporary accommodation between April 2023 and March 2024, an increase of almost a third (29 per cent) year-on-year.
Overspend on B&Bs
More than one third of the total expenditure – £780million – was spent on emergency B&Bs. They are often considered as the worst type of temporary accommodation, with households, including families, placed together in a single cramped room, usually with no support.
Patrick Hickey, director at the development management consultancy, Make NW, said “This new development shows what can be achieved when a council takes a strategic invest to save approach to tackling homelessness.
“More importantly than that it is creating better outcomes for people and their families.
“Delivering new housing is ultimately all about people.
“This new accommodation creates high-quality spaces for people to get back on their feet so they are ready to go to work, go into education or training and reconnect with family and friends.”
