City council snaps up student accommodation building

Plymouth City Council has completed the purchase of the Royal building on St Andrews Cross.

The building, which until recently was a student accommodation block, will be converted to use as temporary accommodation for homeless families.

Although currently home to a number of self-contained student apartments, each with common living areas, the plan is to convert it into 30 one, two and three bedrooms flats suitable for families who are in need of temporary accommodation.

An office space for the council’s housing team will also be created.

The purchase of the building is part of the council’s ongoing strategy to tackle the housing crisis while improving the process for families who find themselves homeless and reducing the reliance on the local hospitality sector for temporary accommodation.

Cllr Chris Penberthy 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.”

Cllr Mark Lowry added: “This is a really important day for so many families experiencing homelessness in our city, some of whom will not now need to live in bed and breakfast accommodation when they come to us for help.

“Homelessness is a massive issue in Plymouth and we must all redouble our efforts to provide more homes across our city.

“But of course the financial benefits for the council are massive and over time, the purchase of the Royal will free up budgets to help tackle issues around homelessness in the round.”

A planning application for change of use will be submitted early next year.

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