Temporary accommodation unit to open in Thetford
It should be ready later this year
Last updated 23rd Jun 2021
Work to build a brand new unit to provide accommodation for vulnerable people is progressing well and should open later this year.
Breckland Council is investing £1.8 million to redevelop the former community centre on Thetford's Elm Road, which will become a temporary accommodation facility for up to 35 people. It is intended for people to use if they are need of emergency accommodation or are struggling to find a permanent residence.
The council's Leader, Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen and Executive Member for Strategic Housing, Cllr Paul Claussen, have inspected the new building works and are delighted with the progress by building contractors, Cocksedge Builders. The new housing resource will help Breckland Council meet demand for temporary accommodation locally, while reducing the need to use alternative sites, such as hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation.
Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen, Leader of Breckland Council, commented during his tour of the building works:
"I am really delighted to see the building taking shape and the high quality work on show, which will help turn this building into a valuable new community resource, offering emergency accommodation for local people when they need it most."
Cllr Paul Claussen, Executive member for planning at Breckland Council, added:
"This project is just another way Breckland Council is helping to support our vulnerable residents, having already ring-fenced more than £1m for our Inspiring Communities programme, which will help those who have experienced domestic abuse, mental health problems, drug and alcohol addictions, and homelessness."
Darren Reeve, Cocksedge building contractors Commercial Manager said:
"We are delighted with the progress on the site so far, and look forward to delivering this valuable resource for local people later this year. We are working closely with the local community to ensure impact of the work is minimised, materials on site are recycled and using local SME's within our supply chain wherever possible to assist with localised business recovery as we move out of Covid restrictions."