New accommodation for the homeless opening soon

HOMELESS people will be welcome at a new temporary accommodation site in Newark, four weeks ahead of schedule after a £4.1m investment by Newark and Sherwood District Council.

The new facility, called Alexander Lodge, will open in March. The building provides self-contained accommodation, with interlocking rooms which can be furnished and supplied with secure storage, providing a “safe, warm, and comfortable” space.

Each property has its own private outdoor space and play area for children, while a caretaker will be on site. The tenancy support team will welcome residents, help them settle in and support them.

The team will also be working with residents to identify individual support needs, such as education, health, and employment in anticipation of getting them more permanent accommodation.

Additionally, by the autumn, Alexander Lodge will offer a wider support package to meet key skills such as budgeting, health and wellbeing, home safety, and practical skills in partnership with local colleges.

Councillor Lee Brazier, portfolio holder for housing at the council, said: “We are delighted with the upcoming opening of Alexander Lodge, which is not only a significant investment in providing temporary accommodation to residents of Newark but also a step forward in the district council’s commitment to using green energy to support the environment.

“This facility is modern and will enable the council to deliver a strong homelessness support service, with a focus on helping residents achieve longer-term tenancy success. “We look forward to welcoming residents to Alexander Lodge and helping them to achieve their goals.”

The council has also installed solar panels at the site.