Herefordshire Council is working with construction partner Speller Metcalfe to refurbish the building, which will provide 28 self-contained one-bedroom apartments when complete.

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth Councillor Graham Biggs visited the site last week to see the progress being made on the project.

Councillor Biggs said:

“Having been down to the site and seen the progress being made, it is really encouraging to see this important project taking shape.

“We know there is a critical shortage of suitable emergency accommodation in Herefordshire, with increasing numbers of people coming to the Council needing somewhere safe and secure to stay.

“This project will provide 28 good-quality homes for people who need them most, while also bringing an ageing and prominent building back into productive use.

“It is also a good example of how we are looking at practical ways to reduce the significant costs of temporary accommodation. Once operational, we expect the scheme to save the Council more than £600,000 a year — money that can be used to support other essential services.”

Mark Eaton, divisional director at Speller Metcalfe, added: “It’s great to be working with Herefordshire Council again on another important project for the community. With soft strip demolition works now underway, we're pleased to be supporting a scheme that will provide much-needed emergency accommodation.”

The building, at the corner of Gaol Street and Bath Street, was acquired by the Council to help address the shortage of emergency accommodation.

The scheme is expected to be completed by summer 2027, with the first residents expected to move in from autumn 2027.

The project follows approval of the outline business case in July 2024 and a detailed consultation process.

As well as providing much-needed accommodation, the redevelopment will bring the ageing building back into use at a key gateway to Hereford city centre.