Six figure sum from Government to help build new apartments

Work has begun to transform a former court building into apartments for adults with learning disabilities, supported by £270,000 of funding from the government’s housing agency – Homes England.

Halifax County Court is being converted into 16 supported living apartments by Highstone Housing Association, which bought the property from Homes England.

Ownership of the historic site was transferred from the Ministry of Justice to Homes England, who are providing the funding for the new properties through their affordable homes programme.

In addition to converting the existing 19th century court building, Highstone will add a new mezzanine floor in the roof space to create the apartments  and a sleep room for support workers.

Dilys Jones, Head of Home Ownership and Supply for Homes England in the North East said: “Our ambition is to ensure the public sector land and buildings we inherit support local plans and local ambitions.

“We’re pleased to see this building being brought back into use as much needed affordable homes, that enable adults with learning disabilities to lead independent lives at the heart of their community.”

It is anticipated that work on the apartments will be completed by spring 2020.

Joanne Hawley, Director of Highstone Housing Association, added:  “We are delighted to have acquired this iconic building in the centre of Halifax – an ideal location.

“Our aim is to provide bespoke accommodation of the highest quality, while maintaining the distinctive character of the county court.

“Highstone’s vision for the development sees the existing building revitalised to provide lifetime homes for its 16 tenants and a pleasant working environment for the support team.”