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Abandoned Bedminster building will be transformed into flats for young homeless people
Plans to transform a derelict building in Bedminster into temporary, affordable housing for young people facing homelessness have been given the go-ahead.
Work is due to start on East Street Mews imminently after Bristol City Council granted approval to the project that was set up by a collaboration of local businesses, charities and property experts.
The aim is to provide a solid foundation on which some of the city’s most vulnerable citizens can build towards the next stage of their lives in education and employment.
is needed now More than ever
Sketch of the finished East Street Mews project
Young people in the UK are three times more likely to experience homelessness than the rest of the population and are disproportionally impacted by job insecurity and poverty.
Bristol-based property developer Cubex, property industry charity LandAid and Bath-based charity Developing Health & Independence (DHI) are behind the project to transform the council-owned building into useable accommodation.
Realising there was a major gap in provision for young homeless people who are not eligible for other forms of support, they decided to donate their time, investment and expertise to address the problem.
Gavin Bridge, director of Cubex, said: “The level of support we have received from local businesses and organisations has been phenomenal and we are hugely grateful for their time and expertise.
“However, we would still love to hear from others who would like to lend their support as we approach the next stages of construction, so would urge interested people or organisations to get in touch.”
Marcus Piet of Willmott Dixon shows young people from 1625IP around the empty East Street Mews
When complete, the 11 apartments will be offered for rent by DHI’s social enterprise ‘Home Turf Lettings’ at rental levels set according to the amount young homeless people can afford to pay – approximately 40 per cent of market rent.
Backing the scheme, Paul Smith, the council’s cabinet member for housing, said he hopes to replicate the idea in other locations across the city.
“Our big gap in housing for the homeless is ‘move on’ from the hostels,” said Smith.
“This amazing project fronted by Cubex, LandAid and many other partners meets that key need. A real public, private and voluntary sector success.”
Echoing his sentiments, Paul Morrish, chief executive at LandAid, said: “Youth homelessness is a problem which continues to rise – Centrepoint estimates that there are over 86,000 young people will experience it this year, and it is a problem which is rising in Bristol.
“But by bringing together the charity and the property sector we can make a huge difference to the lives of young people. We hope that East Street Mews will be the first of many of this kind of project.”
Preparatory work taking place in East Street Mews
Preparatory work has already taken place and the first residents are expected to be welcomed into East Street Mews in 2019. The restored property will also include space on the ground floor for local businesses or social enterprises
John Boughton, deputy managing director at Willmott Dixon, said his business is proud to be involved and urged anyone in a position to help to get in touch and help give back to the city.
To find out more about the project, volunteer on-site skills, time or materials, or if you can provide items to furbish the apartments, visit: www.eaststreetmews.co.uk or contact Eleanor Lynch at East Street Mews oneleanor@eaststreetmews.co.uk.
Read more: Derelict Bedminster building to be transformed into flats for young homeless people
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