November 22, 2010 1.59 pm This story is over 160 months old

£2.5m homeless centre work finally begins

Going up: After delays, building works on a new centre for the homeless in Lincoln will finally begin next week.

Building works on a new centre for the homeless in Lincoln will finally begin next week, after unexpected delays with the accommodation project.

The Pathways Centre on Beaumont Fee, costing £2.5 million, will be built by Lindum and is expected to be finished by autumn 2011.

The building was originally going to be built by spring 2011 with work starting in June 2010, but plans to start work were delayed.

City of Lincoln Council Leader Councillor Darren Grice (pictured) explained that during the last five months, the project had to be rethought:

“The delay came around deciding where we were going to do it. Then we had to sort out the issue of the Supporting People grant, which goes along with the building.

“A number of things have held this project up, but we now feel that it is stronger than ever, and we have dedicated partners who will work together to make it a success.”

Although traffic on Beaumont Fee will be mostly unaffected, the pavement on one side of the road will be closed for the duration of the build.

As previously reported, the accommodation will have 19 flats, offices, a consultation and medical room, kitchen, training rooms, dining area and garden.

Education for those using the facilities will be provided by Lincoln College.

In addition to training facilities, NHS Lincolnshire will be providing health care, unlike other homeless accommodation, making it a country first.

Assistant Director for Public Health Tony McGinty said: “We know that homelessness can be the result of other health problems faced by individuals.

“The NHS services in the new centre will begin with a primary care access service, helping people identify their health needs and find their way to the best help.

“In due course, other key services will begin to work at the centre to meet immediate needs and help people to benefit from all the services offered by the system.”

Framework Chief Executive Andrew Redfern, of the company owning the accommodation, said the project is an example of central and local government working together.

“It is exciting that work is about to start on site, and I am grateful to everyone who has helped us reach this point.

“We are strongly committed to the provision of high quality supported accommodation for vulnerable people.

“On its completion, the building at Beaumont Fee will enable Framework, the Nomad Trust and others to work directly with local people who are homeless, and make a real difference to their lives.”

City of Lincoln Council Leader Darren Grice added: “We’re delighted to be at the point where work can start to build the much-needed Pathways centre.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the finished product this time next year and seeing the benefits the Pathways centre will bring for Lincoln’s homeless.”

Source: City of Lincoln Council