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GreenSquare’s head of development Jo Curson and head of supported housing Martin Mellors were in Salisbury as work on a new hostel for the homeless there took another step towards completion. Jo and Martin joined Salisbury MP John Glen and other VIPs on site to see some of the last pieces of the roof being put in place.

GreenSquare is working in partnership with Alabaré to replace their former homeless accommodation in Barnard Street, with the project due to be completed this Autumn. The brand new 30-bed hostel will provide high-quality accommodation and a range of purpose-built training facilities in an environmentally-friendly building.

“It’s great to be celebrating this milestone, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the project team,” said Jo Curson. “GreenSquare is proud of its involvement in this flagship scheme for Wiltshire, creating really high-quality accommodation and support for vulnerable people in the area.”

The ethos of the hostel will be based on the ‘Places of Change’ programme, which encourages hostels to engage residents in meaningful activity within the local community; involve residents in the development of services; develop well-trained and motivated staff; and provide a quality physical environment. This major redevelopment project is supported by funding from the Homes and Communities Agency, GreenSquare, Wiltshire Council, and Alabaré.

“It’s a moving moment to experience a transformation from what was a dated hostel to a high-specification living environment,” added Alabaré Chairman John Proctor. “I was much impressed by the spaciousness and quality of the ‘move on’ flats that will be available to our clients. This is a development we can be truly proud of.”

John Glen MP said: “This is a wonderful day for Alabaré, marking a development in their considerable footprint in Salisbury and I’m pleased to continue my enthusiastic support of all they do to provide support and encouragement and meet the practical needs of the most vulnerable in our community.”

And Wiltshire Councillor John Brady commented: “I’m delighted. This is an important milestone in completing the much-needed extra modern purpose built accommodation in Salisbury.”

Consultation has been taking place with current Alabaré service users to ensure that the new hostel meets the needs of its clients, and that the training and activities programme is tailor-made and engaging. They have even met the architects to input into decisions being made on some of the final interior finishes.

[published online 9/5/11]

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