Another step forward in the provision of temporary accommodation

Posted on: Tuesday, March 8, 2022

This week marks another significant step towards achieving the District Council’s ambition to ensure that Newark and Sherwood has ‘fit for purpose’ temporary accommodation for statutory homeless applicants.

Newark and Sherwood District Council is working in partnership with Edwinstowe-based construction company Robert Woodhead Ltd to demolish and rebuild the site that was previously unfit for purpose.

Woodhead has been working on the site for the past couple of months preparing the former Seven Hills temporary accommodation in Newark to make way for a brand new facility.

The new accommodation will comprise of twenty flexible units, sited as two avenues of buildings within the scheme as well as having a new community hub building.

The community hub building will also include an office, meeting room, community room, laundry room, kitchen and storage area.

Outside, there will be a play area, car parking including electric charging points and a bike shelter.

Councillor Tim Wendels, Chairman of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Homes and Communities Committee, said: “This is a major step in the rebuilding on the facility and we’re excited for what the future holds. Despite working under stringent Covid-19 safety measures over the past two years, we’ve made great progress on the site and we’re ready for the next step.”

“This new facility will provide those owed accommodation duties with a safe and secure place to live until they’re able to find somewhere permanent.

“We are committed to preventing homelessness in the district but ultimately this is not always feasible and some households need our assistance with temporary placement and projects like this help us to do this”.

“The bike shelter and electrical charging points is an important consideration to ensure the site is future-proof for a greener future.”

Tom Woodhead, Business Services Director for Robert Woodhead Ltd, said: “We are pleased to be continuing our work with Newark and Sherwood District Council. As a local contractor we will be using a local supply chain to sustain and create jobs in the local community.  The project will boost the local economy and in turn provide quality housing for people who need it the most.”

Work to build the new facility will continue throughout 2022/23 and completion is estimated to be by late spring to early summer in 2023.