Flats in Peasley Cross remodelled for rough sleepers

Part of a £1m project backed by funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and local Government, housing group Torus is working on two flat blocks in Peasley Cross.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, 108 people homeless people in St Helens were moved off the streets and into temporary accommodation.

Since then, St Helens Council and its partners Torus and the Salvation Army, have been working closely with them to provide essential help to overcome barriers and lead new, more independent lives.

Torus says that a warm, safe home, together with support to manage that home, is key to ensuring that these vulnerable people do not return to the streets.

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Described as once "a magnet for anti-social behaviour", the flats on Appleton Road will be transformed into 28 ‘move-on’ homes where former rough sleepers will be given the chance to change their lives.

The flats on Appleton Road are being remodelled

The flat blocks will benefit from 24-hour security, will be fully staffed and residents will be intensively supported by The Salvation Army until they are ready to move into a home they can sustain on their own.

The Salvation Army regional manager for Homelessness Services in the North West Region, Robert Long, said: “These flats will provide a safe and warm home for people who have been staying in our Lifehouse (supported housing for former rough sleepers) and are ready to move on to independent living as they rebuild their lives.

The flats on Appleton Road are being remodelled

“There will be an on-site Salvation Army support worker, who will help residents apply for permanent accommodation, training and jobs.

“This will also free up space in our Lifehouse, the YMCA Hostel and other provisions in St Helens for people who have been temporarily housed during the ‘Everyone In’ initiative, where they will get the support they need to tackle the complex causes of their homelessness, whether that’s mental ill health, fleeing domestic abuse or an addiction.”

It is anticipated that residents will live at the flat blocks for up to two years before moving into longer term accommodation.

Each of the 28 apartments will come complete with a ‘New Home Starter Pack’: a kettle, bedding, a hoover things that make a house a home. All essential items for people with nothing more than the clothes on their backs.

The flats on Appleton Road are being remodelled

Sutton-based construction company HMS was appointed to undertake the significant refurbishment of the flat blocks, including internal and external works and includes replacement heating systems, a full re-wire, new bathrooms and kitchens and a modernised, attractively rendered exterior, new communal rooms, offices for on-site support, landscaped communal gardens and parking facilities.