Sir John Peace, Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire and patron for Framework, has opened a new purpose-built Framework building, providing accommodation for single homeless people.
Sixteen people supported by Framework have moved into the new one-bed flats at Mechanics House off Mansfield Road, which replaces Framework’s hostel about a mile away, on Forest Road West.
Nottingham City Council has contributed £500,000 from S106 planning funds towards the scheme, which is worth just over £2 million in total, along with funding from Homes England and Framework.
Framework staff will be on-site for 24 hours a day to manage the building and provide specialist support to the residents, focused towards successful long-term resettlement.
Cllr Toby Neal, Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for housing, said: ”Framework provide a range of important services supporting some of the most vulnerable people in Nottingham. The quality new facility will be vital in tackling homelessness and help provide better outcomes for people with complex needs.
”The ongoing partnership work between the council and Framework is having a real and positive impact on people’s lives and this new development will help to continue this.”
Speaking about this major housing development, Framework’s Chief Executive Andrew Redfern said: “The creation of Mechanics House reaffirms Framework’s ongoing commitment to providing good quality homes and living environments for homeless people. The difference in outcomes for those living in a new flat with their own front door, compared to a dingy room in an old hostel, is stark.
“There are benefits not only for the individual, but also the public purse: investment in good quality supported housing gives service users a much better chance to re-establish their independence quickly, thus leading to a long-term reduction in the cost of services to support them.”
