Liverpool-based developer Pathway Homes Group and housing association Parasol Homes have refurbished 48 properties for vulnerable adults in Preston as part of a drive to convert redundant buildings around the city.
Around 160 homes in the city developed specifically for this tenant group were placed at risk following the collapse of local charity Methodist Action last year.
Pathway Homes acquired the dilapidated former student houses and converted each one to provide accommodation for vulnerable adults, working in partnership with Parasol, Preston City Council and property management firm Creating Change Housing Management.
In total, the houses will provide accommodation for up to 240 residents.
Work to refurbish the homes began last December
Work to convert the properties began at the end of 2019. All of the homes have now been handed over and are expected to be fully tenanted immediately, according to Pathway.
Creating Change Housing Management will run the accommodation and take on several of the redundant staff from the Methodist Action.
Liverpool-based Archiphonic was the architect and planner for the project.
Chanel Williams, director at Pathway Homes, said: “With a growing homelessness issue on the streets of Preston, the loss of 160 beds would undoubtedly prove to be catastrophic for each of those individuals and the local authority.
“We’ve been able to source and acquire redundant buildings and transform them in line with the need of the tenant group.”