Council buys building to support homeless families

The council, including Chris Penberthy (left) and Mark Lowry (right) said the purchase was an "important piece of business"

A former student accommodation block in Plymouth has been bought by a council to be converted into temporary accommodation for homeless families.

Plymouth City Council said it had completed the purchase of the Royal Building on St Andrews Cross.

The plan was to convert it into 30 one, two and three-bedrooms flats suitable for families who were in need of accommodation, it said.

It cost £5m and was funded by money set aside by the council's cabinet in December to tackle ongoing temporary accommodation budget pressures, it added.

'A real difference'

Councillor Chris Penberthy, cabinet member for housing, communities and cooperative development, said: "I am so pleased that we are finally able to complete on this important piece of business.

"I have not been shy about shining the light on the housing crisis here in Plymouth, but I know that the purchase of the Royal will make a real difference to the lives of people experiencing the darkest days of their lives.

"I can't wait to get started on our refurbishment of the building and get it up and running."

The council added that there had been a "massive increase" of 158% in demand for temporary and short-term accommodation because of a "homelessness crisis brought about by a combination of factors such as the cost of living and other economic issues", and fewer permanent homes available for people to move into.

A planning application for change of use of the building is due to be submitted early next year.