Published on:
17
January 2013
Clackmannanshire Council is to invest almost £700,000 to create additional managed accommodation for single people by refurbishing and converting a group of flats in Tullibody.
The 10 maisonettes at 21- 39 The Orchard, are to be turned into 18 flats to create upgraded housing and meet the demand shortfall. Existing tenants are to be given priority status to be re-housed in other accommodation out with the block to be refurbished.
Housing Convener, Councillor Les Sharp said: "The Clackmannanshire Housing Strategy, which was approved by Council in October 2012, commits to providing improved models of temporary and supported accommodation. These considerations are further necessary to reduce the financial cost of expensive models such as B&B.
"There is a recognised shortfall in single person accommodation and consultation on the Housing Strategy confirms that we will consider options to better match property size to demand, as well as increasing the supply of temporary accommodation."
Councillor Sharp added: "In line with established preferences from tenants it will include the formation of a reception area with secure access, office accommodation for concierge, crashpad facility, CCTV and housing programme improvements."
The project proposal follows the model of redevelopment at Backwood Court, Clackmannan, and Lochbrae in Sauchie, both of which now have improved onsite facilities and onsite concierge presence, and has received positive feedback from both residents and neighbours.
Councillor Sharp went on: "This project provides the opportunity for a housing led solution to providing security and support to vulnerable single people and research confirms this will lead to improved outcomes tenants and communities."
The new managed accommodation housing will accrue income from rents of around £109,933 and savings on B&B of around £200,000 per year and a net annual benefit to Council General Fund revenue of £398,753 by 2017/18.
The cost plan proposal for the upgrade of 21-39 The Orchard is estimated to be around £671,012.
There will be an additional one off cost to the Council for compensation associated with the relocation for at least eight of the existing occupants. This would incur a total cost of up to £15,000.