Building to become 28 emergency housing flats

The council said the project would help address the fact that in the last two years the number those with emergency housing need in Hereford had doubled

Nearly £4m is to be invested by a council to acquire and refurbish a building in Hereford, for use by people who need emergency accommodation.

Herefordshire Council said the £3.8m John Haider building project would offer 28 self-contained apartments.

The authority said the number of people presenting to the council needing emergency accommodation had almost doubled in the past two years, and there was currently a shortage of suitable accommodation.

Work will start this autumn, with the first occupants expected to be able to move in from autumn 2026.

The authority said the lack of housing for people meant they were being housed in private sector dwellings, where available, or in budget hotel or bed-and-breakfast style accommodation.

'Cost savings of £600k'

The scheme follows approval of the outline business case in July 2024, as well as a detailed consultation process.

"This is one of the first projects we have brought forward, working through our new cross-political working group and aiming to address the long-term social and affordable housing crisis we face across the county," said councillor Graham Biggs, cabinet member for economy and growth.

"The project will provide quality accommodation to some of those that need it most, while also regenerating an ageing building at a key gateway location to the city centre.

"In purchasing the John Haider building, not only will we be able to provide good quality, safe accommodation for people who are in need of emergency accommodation, but we are projecting cost savings in excess of £600,000 each year."