A new deal has been made by Hackney council, to refurbish and lease two local hostels and create 163 temporary homes. As part of a new five-year lease, St.Peter’s Way hostel and Metropolitan hostel will be revamped and leased to individuals in search of housing.
The revamp of the two hostels will aim to create comfortable temporary housing for locals. This will include, ensuites, kitchenettes, laundry facilities and wifi. On top of this, the homes will be energy efficient and include units suitable for disabled people.
Hackney Mayor Philip Glanville said: ‘The lack of affordable accommodation in Hackney is having a profound impact’. He added that ‘some of the biggest house price increases in the country mean that buying or even privately renting a home is out of reach for most low and even middle income families’.
From 2018 to 2021, the number of homeless individuals contacting the council increased by 19 percent. According to the council, a report at this weeks cabinet showed that 3,000 London families are living in temporary accommodation.
The 163 temporary homes hope to improve these numbers. And in doing so provide a step in the right direction in tackling the current housing crisis.