HITHER GREEN: 'Beautiful' homeless hostel opens its doors (From News Shopper)

HITHER GREEN: 'Beautiful' homeless hostel opens its doors

7:40am Tuesday 8th September 2009 in Search

A HOSTEL for homeless people which promises a “beautiful environment” for its residents has opened its doors.

Charity St Mungo’s has opened Spring Gardens, the first purpose-built homeless hostel in Britain, at Arlington Close, off Ennersdale Road, Hither Green.

The £4m building has 40 ensuite individual rooms for residents, looking onto a central garden.

After being referred to the hostel by Lewisham Council, residents use the first 10 rooms when they arrive.

They can talk with staff about their plans, and any health, drink or drug issues they may face.

After about six weeks, they then move into another room in the hostel, or into accommodation elsewhere.

The hostel also has a main dining room, a laundry and a purpose-built medical room, IT area, a library and meeting rooms for training programmes.

It takes the place of a run-down hostel which used to be on the site, a building architect Peter Barber has described as “hideous, dark and claustrophobic”.

He said: “The hope is to make life easier for the residents and the people who work here. I don't think it's an indulgence to try to create a beautiful environment for people. I think it's essential.”

There are also five slightly larger rooms with kitchens, designed for use by people about to move into their own housing.

Charity chief executive Charles Fraser said: "Spring Gardens is fresh thinking in hostel design, having been built from a blank canvas.

“Homeless people deserve decent homes and supportive environments.”

Eventually a second part will provide further short term accommodation for 21 more residents.

A formal opening in conjunction with Lewisham Council is planned for later this year