Empty buildings across Cornwall turned into safe spaces to stay for the homeless
Cornwall Council hopes to have bought a total of 60 properties by the middle of 2022
Last updated 22nd Sep 2021
Cornwall Council are transforming disused properties into temporary accommodation .
The properties are being brought back into use to provide safe places to stay for people without a permanent home.
It comes as work continues to tackle the housing pressures faced by Cornwall and already includes properties in Penzance, Newquay and Penryn for 20 residents.
In Penzance, the Council has purchased a large disused cottage, which has been converted into a self-contained home for four people and will soon be occupied by its first residents.
In Newquay, a vacant Council-owned building is in the process of being brought back to life. This building will provide good quality accommodation for a further five people.
The Council has also bought a property in Penryn and is planning a large-scale refurbishment over the autumn to provide accommodation for 12 people, in six purpose-designed shared flats.
Olly Monk, the Council’s portfolio holder for housing and planning, said: “It is our aim to end the use of short-term, expensive, hotel and B&B accommodation, which offers no security in terms of length of stay. These projects will provide a secure, comfortable and independent home for people.
“We have other properties in the pipeline for a similar purpose. This Council has made a commitment to do as much as it can to ensure local people have access to good quality homes at prices they can afford and from a landlord they can trust.”
They're hoping to have bought a total of sixty homes by the middle of next year.