Havering Council is facing a huge challenge to provide enough housing for homeless families in the borough. As a result, last week they agreed an interesting project to transform an old commercial building into accommodation. We want to have a closer look at the plans here. Then, if you would like us to help you with estate management in Havering, guaranteed rent and more, you can speak to us.

Transformation

The Council will take a 10 year lease on the property in Chesham Close, Romford. It was formerly a guitar shop, but has been vacant since October. There will be a change of use and alterations to turn the building into housing.

Most impressively here, the property will provide housing for 55 families. Residents would be able to stay for 12-24 months. This will give them more stability than the disruption of living in hotels or B&Bs. Crucially, it will help children to thrive and will be better for their physical and emotional wellbeing.

The project will also help the local authority to save money. They have a huge challenge at the moment because of housing shortages and the high costs of paying for temporary accommodation. In fact, the Council was a massive £6.1m over budget last year. The estimate is the new housing will save £9.7m over the course of the lease. This will include savings on estate management in Havering as they operate the building.

Comments

The Council was in favour of the move, giving it approval at a meeting. Ray Morgon, Council Leader for Havering, was happy with the decision. He said it would have a “profound and positive impact”. Most importantly, it will improve the living situation of families and children.

Councillor Morgon went on to say the Council is focusing on ensuring they provide the right type of accommodation for homeless families with children. They want to do more than “merely providing shelter”. Instead, they want to ensure the housing will help young people to thrive.

The reaction to the plan wasn’t all positive though. Councillor Keith Darvill said there were “plenty of examples” of poor quality commercial to residential conversions. So, they need to ensure this project will deliver suitable accommodation.

Ask us if you need estate management in Havering

Finefair Ltd appreciates that homes and housing come in all shapes and sizes, especially in London. It can create challenges with managing them, and sometimes really high costs too. We work to help clients find a more effective solution that can save money and make everything more convenient. It can even include guaranteed rent.

So, if you want to explore estate management in Havering with us, please get in touch. We’re committed to delivering fantastic services, even for tricky estates.