A decision by Herefordshire Council to acquire and refurbish the John Haider building in central Hereford will offer 28 additional self-contained apartments for people needing emergency accommodation.
The number of people presenting to the council as needing emergency accommodation has almost doubled in the past two years, and there is currently a shortage of suitable accommodation. This means that people may be housed in private sector dwellings (where available) or in budget hotel/bed-and-breakfast style accommodation.
To help address this, the council is investing nearly £3.8Million to acquire and fully refurbish the John Haider building in central Hereford, bringing the building back into good condition to provide 28 high quality, self-contained, apartments.
The decision follows Full Council approval of the outline business case in July 2024 and a detailed consultation process.
Councillor Graham Biggs, Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth at Herefordshire Council, commented:
This is one of the first projects we have brought forward, working through our new cross-political working group and aiming to address the long-term social and affordable housing crisis we face across the county. The project will provide quality accommodation to some of those that need it most, while also regenerating an ageing building at a key gateway location to the city centre.
In purchasing the John Haider building not only will we be able to provide good quality, safe accommodation for people who are in need of emergency accommodation, but we are projecting cost savings in excess of £600,000 each year.
Refurbishment of the premises is expected to commence autumn 2025 with the first occupants expected to move in from autumn 2026.