£1m project will restore flats for the homeless
Trinity House, previously Trinity Foyer, is being upgraded
A £1 million pound refurbishment at a building which will provide accommodation for those without a home is due to start next month.
Trinity House on Church Street in Maidstone - previously known as Trinity Foyer - is to be converted into community space, providing 23 self-contained flats.
After opening in December 1998, the site had helped young adults with accommodation for more than 20 years.
In 2019, changes instigated by KCC meant new operators did not provide a service at Trinity Foyer. New contractors began supporting people aged 16-17 instead of those aged 16 to 24 the previous operator looked after. It caused protests.
A Maidstone council spokeswoman said: “The building was converted 25 to 30 years ago, so some of the work is in response to updated requirements for decent homes and some is cosmetic, as Trinity House has been
empty for nearly two years and feels unloved.”
Following the recent exchange of contracts with Hyde Housing, the council said work will start in May and it is hoped people can move in from September. The council (MBC) says anyone over 18 who is in need will be supported.
MBC says it will manage “direct operations” themselves, and their outreach team will also be based there and there will be on-site management and an overnight concierge service. MBC’s head of housing and community services, John Littlemore, said: “This is a ‘new life’ for Trinity House to help people
in need in the town centre. We know how important this type of facility is in supporting homeless people who need temporary and settled accommodation.” There will be flats designated for rough sleepers or those at risk of rough sleeping, plus adults in need of temporary accommodation.