Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
14
Apr 2021
New 19-bed homeless centre opens in Starbeck
Harrogate Borough Council has opened a new 19-bed homeless centre in Starbeck, called Fern House.
Fern House's bedrooms are all self-contained with en-suite bathrooms and kitchen facilities. Two of the rooms are fully accessible.
The site, on Spa Lane, cost £2.3 million to be built. It was funded from general funding into the house revenue account and a grant from Homes England.
The accommodation will also provide a support package for those finding themselves homeless. It will run alongside other hostels across the district in Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough.
Fern House also provides laundry and kitchen facilities, a 24-hour reception desk, a large conference room and a meeting area.
Read more:
- Harrogate Borough Council defends its plans for staff to continue to use public toilets.
- Harrogate Borough Council spends £350,000 on B&Bs for homeless
The council said that, in line with its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) requirements, part of the building will be used to provide temporary emergency accommodation for homeless people in extreme weather conditions.
Previously, the council also had shelters installed on the Tower Street car park, in Harrogate. But after nearly four months these were removed.
At the time, the council said the completion of Fern House was a reason the shelters were no longer necessary.
0