Ipswich Borough Council’s contractor, Hill Group UK, has completed works on the eight micro homes in Whitton Church Lane that will be used to accommodate formerly homeless residents.
These homes are for the sole use of local single people, who have been living in emergency and similar accommodation in Ipswich. The new housing has been designed in close collaboration with homeless charities and specialist advisors. Each unit is specifically designed for single occupation and comprises a sleeping area, kitchen and living room, together with a shower and WC. The homes are fitted with white goods and other essential items such as cutlery, plates, and bed linen.
There will be a multi-agency approach, including the police, to decide the suitability of tenants who are being considered for accommodation here. Live CCTV will be monitored at the Council’s control room and SIA accredited on-call security will be able to attend 24/7 when requested. There will be unannounced visits by security patrols. There will also be regular multi-agency reviews with partners, again including the police, with a view to addressing and dealing with any issues.
Each tenant will stay for a maximum of two years and will be allocated a support worker who will provide intensive housing management and cross agency support to help them prepare for a return to work and fully independent living.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council’s Housing and Health portfolio holder, said: “This carefully designed housing is a stepping stone to a permanent home for formerly homeless people – it provides them with a safe space where they can receive dedicated support that will help them develop the skills they need to get in to work and to live independently. We look forward to welcoming tenants and helping them get started on their journeys.”
