Work starts on housing project
8 February 2008
Work is starting on a major supported housing scheme for homeless families in the city.
Octavia Court will provide 20 one, two and three bedroomed self contained flats for families in need of temporary accommodation and support.
It will include children’s play facilities, communal areas, a training room and a garden area.
A team of experienced staff will be on hand to help people access training and education opportunities, run courses such as employment support and healthy living and offer other support.
They aim to help families to move into permanent housing and take up suitable training and employment.
The £1.8 million development is a partnership between Bradford Community Housing Trust (BCHT) – the area’s biggest social housing landlord – and Bradford Council. Nearly £1.7 million is coming from the Housing Corporation.
Once complete, Octavia Court will replace the Norman Bank supported housing facility which is run by BCHT as the service provider and is owned by Bradford Council.
Martin Smith, BCHT Group Chairman said: “This new modern purpose-built scheme will provide important facilities for homeless families who need the right package of support to rebuild their lives and move into mainstream housing again.
“BCHT has been working closely with Bradford Council, the Housing Corporation and the Firebird JVC social housing partnership on this project. I am delighted that work is now underway.”
Coun Andrew Mallinson, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration said: “This scheme will give homeless families a great opportunity to get their lives back on track by giving them a chance to access training and education opportunities and plan a happier future.”
Octavia Court is expected to open in March 2009.
Firebird JVC, a partnership of five social housing groups including BCHT, is managing the construction phase.
08.02.08