Residents move in to 11 new council-owned temporary accommodation flats

Councillor Gill Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing, and Councillor Paul Nann, Cabinet Advisor for Homelessness, paid a visit to newly refurbished flats being let as temporary accommodation to women in housing need.

High standard of living

The 11 new flats have been developed in a refurbished council-owned former office building.

They are being let as temporary accommodation to women who have been assessed as being in housing need.

The flats are conveniently situated in a central location close to amenities, green spaces and public transport.

They are tastefully refurbished to keep with modern living standards but respect the historic character of the building with large windows, high ceilings and preserved period features.

All of the flats have strong energy efficiency ratings, with most achieving an EPC rating of B.

Every flat is fitted with double-glazed windows, enhancing insulation and reducing heat loss.

The development is supported by three air source heat pumps, providing efficient and sustainable heating and hot water, while underfloor heating ensures consistent warmth throughout.

In addition, a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system is installed, helping to maintain good air quality while retaining energy efficiency.

The development has been part funded by central government’s Local Authority Housing Fund and council borrowing.

Exceptional homes

New residents have fed back that they feel very lucky and ‘positively’ overwhelmed by the accommodation, with one saying their flat ‘couldn’t have been any better.’

Councillor Gill Williams, Cabinet member for Housing, said: “Finding yourself on a brink of losing a home is an extremely challenging, distressing experience. 

“One of our commitments to improving the standard and levels of support for people finding themselves homeless in the city is to provide more women-only temporary accommodation

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see more council-run temporary accommodation coming on line in such beautifully finished properties.

“These are very exceptional homes, and I am proud of all the effort that went into making them available for our residents.”