New homeless accommodation opens in Grimsby

North East Lincolnshire Council took out a long lease on Swan House

A new homeless centre has opened in an empty block of flats in Grimsby.

North East Lincolnshire Council has taken a long-term lease on Swan House in New Haven Terrace.

The privately developed building, containing 29 flats, was empty when the council secured £700,000 from the government to take it over.

Residents will be offered recently furnished one and two-bed apartments with a support worker onsite at all times.

Each flat has a fully fitted kitchen with appliances, including a washing machine.

Support is also available at the flats from the council and its partners to help those who may have issues with money, benefits, or health and wellbeing.

'Most vulnerable'

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, council leader Philip Jackson toured the new facility and talked to residents.

"We were very excited at the idea of Swan House when we approved it at cabinet last year," he said.

"And now having seen it in person, it brings the idea to life.

"This facility will have such a positive impact on the lives of the most vulnerable people in our borough."

Figures from the charity Shelter found that in 2023 there were 159 people registered as homeless in North East Lincolnshire.

The majority of people who required homeless assistance were placed by the council in temporary accommodation, such as B&Bs and hotels.