The complex, which provides 34 temporary homes, has undergone extensive upgrades to the entire building and its self-contained flats. Communal areas for residents have also been significantly improved, including the addition of new children’s play equipment, both indoors and outdoors, a particular focus given that around 50 children can reside at the complex at any one time. Residents had specifically requested a larger, secure play area.
Further enhancements include new kitchens and bathrooms in each flat, redecoration throughout, and a modernised communal kitchen and living area furnished with new furniture. A separate wellbeing garden has also been created for single adults. The communal day room has been upgraded with a new kitchen and a small indoor play area, enabling the council to offer more 'cook and eat' sessions supported by its health and wellbeing team.
“"When people are facing homelessness, it is a distressing time in their lives, and coming to temporary accommodation can be, for many, a scary situation. Now it is a warm, bright and welcoming place. The very fact that some residents and their families don’t want to leave demonstrates how much has been achieved here and how hard the team work to make sure everyone is as comfortable as possible. The accommodation we can now provide for people facing homelessness has been hugely improved. It is so much better suited to their needs, especially for those with children, who now have a larger secure space to play and let off steam. I would like to thank the tenants for their patience and understanding during what was a challenging process."
Funding for the refurbishment came from the Housing Revenue Account capital works budget. The work aligns with Mansfield District Council’s role in a national pilot project to improve the experience for people in temporary accommodation. The council is leading a project for seven Nottinghamshire housing authorities, testing new approaches to supporting families in various temporary accommodation settings.
Mansfield District Council secured £128,000 in funding from the Justlife Foundation, a national charity focused on long-term solutions to homelessness. The project aims to drive improvements in how housing authorities nationally utilise temporary accommodation and enhance the support offered to those experiencing homelessness.
