Homeless Accommodation Plan In Doubt As Costs Rocket
Written by HFM News on 21st June 2023
The plan to build new accommodation for the homeless in Market Harborough town centre has been put ‘on hold’ amid spiralling costs.
The cost of the project has risen to over £2m – more than double the amount initially budgeted by Harborough District Council – and the scheme will now be subject to a complete review, to see if it is still viable.
Nine apartments, to provide temporary housing for people made homeless, were set to be created within a new three-storey building on Roman Way, with a derelict house purchased by the council to be demolished to make-way for it.
The new building proposed for Roman Way Pic: BRP Architects
Earlier this year an extra £136,000 was allocated to the project due to significant increases in construction materials, but costs have now escalated further.
A council spokesperson told HFM: “The project is on hold and subject to complete reappraisal.
“Discussions with the new administration in the first three weeks of them assuming control have revealed that the costs of the project are now in excess of double to those originally approved.
“The new leader has been fully briefed about the escalation in costs and officers are now reworking the cost base and viability.”
Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, spoke to HFM:
A derelict house was due to be demolished to make way for the new facility.
Pic: Andy Carpenter
The project was planned to save the council money, so it would be less reliant on paying for expensive private temporary accommodation within the private sector.
Cllr Simon Whelband, deputy leader of the opposition Conservative group, is calling for the review to be swift, as there is an urgent need for such a facility:
