Super-hostel won’t be ready this year
NUNEATON’S super homeless hostel is unlikely to be open until the New Year.
Even though works had been going well, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council said the lockdown has caused huge delays to the conversion of the former Council House.
Some works have restarted but, as social distancing measures are in place, it means the workforce on site is smaller.
A progress report to the council’s cabinet states: “Works to convert the former Council House were suspended on March 24.
“Up until this point, work had progressed well with the main room spaces and corridors largely constructed. However, this does then present problems in terms of maintaining social distancing whilst continuing with the works.
“From May 11, work has recommenced, with a much smaller workforce, in order to ensure that social distancing can be maintained. Given the period of suspension and the continuation of the works with a much smaller workforce, it is projected that the works will now be completed in the new year. “
It is no secret why the council needs the 38-room hostel.
It will help to ease the evergrowing costs the council has to fork out on hotels and B&BS to provide a roof for those at risk of homelessness.
While the council can claim money back if people are put into council-owned properties, it can only claim around £98 a week if private accommodation is used and often hotels cost more per night.
The council does have its own B&B in Nuneaton as well as a new hostel in Bedworth which helps save money on B&BS or hotels, but they are often full.
While the principal of the conversion of the building has been welcomed, the cost of the works has not.
It was revealed that the council had underestimated the cost of the works by £800,000, seeing the overall total rise from £1.25m to £2.1m.
But, council bosses have stressed that, once ready, it will boast Temporary Residential Units (TRUS) which will be used to help families who find themselves without a roof over their heads.
More than a dozen people at risk of ending up on the streets during the coronavirus lockdown have been given a roof over their heads.
“Since the start of the COVID19 Lockdown, we have placed four pre-existing rough sleepers into accommodation,” a Town Hall spokesperson said.
“Also, a further 18 who have presented to us since lockdown and were at risk of rough sleeping.”