Emmanuel House unveils £2m emergency accommodation plans

A Nottingham charity has unveiled £2m plans to convert part of its Hockley base into short-term emergency accommodation for homeless people.

Emmanuel House Support Centre has submitted a planning application to redevelop the first and second floors of its Goose Gate premises into 20 ensuite bedrooms.

The proposals also include one-to-one meeting spaces, 24-hour security, common rooms, computer suites, consultation spaces and rooms with disabled access.

A second phase will include a ground floor renovation to upgrade the site’s open-access support centre.

Food and 24-hour support would be provided by the charity’s team of trained specialists as part of the scheme.

Subject to planning approval, building work is expected to begin as soon as funding for the project becomes available. 

Denis Tully, CEO of Emmanuel House, said: “Our ambition is to reduce the number of people who are homeless in Nottingham city for the benefit of individual people, the neighbourhood and for the City of Nottingham as a whole. The project fits with the city’s strategic plan to tackle homelessness. It will make a significant contribution to year-round emergency respite care.

“We have a new vision for Emmanuel House and for Nottingham’s provision to support some of its most vulnerable people. Our purpose as an organisation is to tackle isolation, vulnerability and homelessness within our community. This project is an extension of this mission.”

The plans have been submitted by CPMG Architects.

Nick Gregory, director at CPMG, said: “I knew that Emmanuel House was an incredible organisation, but as we’ve worked with them, my admiration for their compassion and commitment to helping those in need of support has grown – they are an inspiration.  I am extremely proud that we can assist in bringing these proposals forward – the impact they have will be considerable.”

Geoff Tindsley, director at property and construction consultancy EDGE, which is managing the project, said: “Emmanuel House makes such a difference to people in the Nottingham area, and this new accommodation offering will enhance its service further, so we’re incredibly proud to have a role in supporting this. We’re working closely alongside the Trustees to help the organisation enhance its vital services even further, and we look forward to seeing the vision become a reality.”

Tully added: “Everyday we’re reminded that homelessness can happen to anyone. This provision is for people who are in crisis and have nowhere else to go. They will be provided with support and a platform to access more secure accommodation. It will also make it easier for people who are homeless to get the services they need, such as medical care.

“Emmanuel House is delighted to be making the first step in undertaking this vital and ground-breaking project. Over the past 12 years, the Winter Shelter has provided emergency accommodation for 1621 people, of which 952 were supported in finding long-term accommodation. This on-site provision will continue to offer life-changing support to many more people in the city.”

Structural and civil engineers Hexa and mechanical and electrical engineers Chord Consult are also part of the project team.