Aberdeen's Housing and Environment Committee has considered a progress report on the proposed development of Victoria House into a Housing Access Centre.

The centre would offer advice, support and temporary accommodation to homeless households at one location making the service more accessible.

At the Housing and Environment Committee on 16 February 2010 officers were instructed to bring report on detailed costs, conceptual plans and funding mechanisms to provide 30 accommodation units and staff office accommodation at Victoria House.

The committee has now approved the recommendation to make provision in the Housing Capital Programme to acquire the site in 2010/11.

Victoria House has deteriorated inside and out over the years it has lain vacant. Its dilapidation and the requirements of the Homelessness Service mean partial demolition will be needed to develop the full potential of the site.

-- Advertisement --

The Housing Access Centre will incorporate three key areas – staff facilities, office accommodation and managed/supported flats incorporating flexibility for the future to allow the self-contained accommodation to be transferred to general needs housing if the need for homeless accommodation decreases.

Aberdeen City Council must increase the amount of temporary accommodation to meet the 2012 deadline for the abolition of priority need, and to reduce its reliance on unsuitable bed & breakfast accommodation.

To this end, council officers are reviewing all temporary accommodation for homeless people to ensure the council fulfils its legal duty to provide settled accommodation by 2012 to all those entitled.

Property consultants Robinson Low Francis (RFL) were commissioned by Aberdeen City Council to undertake a feasibility study on four City Council properties to determine which was best suited to meet the council's duty to provide temporary accommodation to people presenting as homeless. Their report recommended redevelopment of Victoria House as a long-term solution.

The Finance and Resources Committee on the 17 June 2010 approved in principle the transfer of the property from the General Services Account to the Housing Revenue Account, including obtaining Scottish Ministers' approval if necessary, subject to the approval at yesterday's Housing and Environment Committee meeting.

Full Council on 30 June 2010 noted the proposed wider changes to the homelessness service, including a change of culture and delegated authority to implement a preventative approach as a priority along with a number of other significant improvements.

Prevention work is consistent with the principles of early intervention, which should lead to improved outcomes for homeless households.

(GK)