York’s Conservative-led administration’s plans to redevelop James House on James Street as state-of-the-art temporary accommodation for homeless households has been given a boost by an additional £2.4m of funding from Homes England (HE).
The administration approved the purchase of James House a year ago and planning permission was submitted in November 2017 for a 55 unit development designed to centralise the provision for temporary accommodation in York in a single location with up to date facilities.
The extra money from HE will add two extra apartments, bringing the number of units up to 57, and add replacement windows and other enhancements such as a new access road and improved sound insulation.
The extra funding means a saving of £500,000 to the council. Executive members will be asked to approve the revised budget for James House at their meeting on Thursday 15 March: the total budget is £12.4m, financed by £2.451m from HE and £9.949 from the housing Revenue account.
Cllr. Ian Gillies, Leader of the conservative Group said: “This is a welcome grant to help us upgrade and consolidate temporary accommodation for homeless households throughout the city.”