Construction work is to begin on 25 new homes in Sauchie this week.

The site of the former Forth Valley College annex in Hallpark is to become the location of Clackmannanshire Council's new supported housing facility, which will aim to alleviate homelessness in the area.

The total cost of the project is £2m.

Expected to open in autumn 2014, the centre will include a 24-hour concierge service. There will be 25 new flats constructed in two blocks – 15 one-bedroom flats and 10 two-bedroom flats – including one which is fully wheelchair accessible.

The Council said it has a statutory duty to assess and support people at risk of homelessness and this project will save the authority money in the long term by supporting those at risk of homelessness and minimising the number of failed tenancies in the county.

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Housing, Health and Care Convener, Councillor Les Sharp, said: "These units will be much more suitable than B&B accommodation, especially for families and vulnerable people. The Council spends almost £1million per year on temporary accommodation, for homeless people this further impacts on a range of Council and other public services including social services, educational attainment and health. However, there is also the human cost to consider - homelessness or a failed tenancy affects the self esteem and potential life outcomes of not only the tenant, but the whole family.

"A project such as Hallpark puts the opportunity for a range of support services to be clearly targeted at those most in need. It additionally will prepare those households for greater independence and ultimately a more sustainable longer term tenancy of their own.

"The housing support facility also has the support of the Community Health Partnership, because it is close to the Community Hospital. It offers the opportunity to build assessment and support services for vulnerable homeless people near by - something that we've seen working well in Fife and Aberdeen."

Alloa-based company, Marshall Construction Limited, is to build the new facility on behalf of hub East Central Scotland Limited.

The project was awarded £750,000 by the Scottish Government under the new Innovation and Investment Fund 2011 – New Council House Building.

(JP/MH)