Work has finally commenced on the construction of a number of flats for those experiencing homelessness. Residents had complained the site had become riddled with trouble from youths due to it standing derelict for so long.
A planning application was submitted by homelessness charity Framework in October 2014 to convert the two semi-detached houses and an old 1930s electricity substation into 13 low energy flats. The site in Rectory Road, just off Colwick Loop Road, had stood derelict for the eight years since.
Residents had complained it had become a 'magnet for trouble' and despite these concerns it remained vacant for years. However work has now commenced on the site and building work is well underway.
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Gedling Borough Council said it granted permission to demolish the 1930s substation building in August 2018 and Framework had a number of years from that date to begin development. Framework had submitted a bid under the Government's Everyone In scheme, which sought to house rough sleepers throughout the pandemic, and had been waiting for funds before work began.
In an update as of June 2022 Andrew Redfern, the chief executive of the charity, told Nottinghamshire Live: "Work on the contract began in February. We hope to achieve completion by the end of the current calendar year, for occupation early in 2023.
"We are building eight high-quality self-contained flats to accompany the two houses that already exist on the site. These will be allocated to young homeless people (including care leavers) with continuing support needs. This will take the form of visiting support.
"The flats will replace existing shared accommodation that is unsuitable for the needs of these people."
