Building work on a new housing scheme in Plymouth which is providing training and employment for people sleeping rough is well underway.

When complete next year, George House in Battery Street will provide much-needed accommodation and support for 46 of the city's most vulnerable people.

Commissioned by Plymouth City Council, the development is led by specialist housing and social care support provider BCHA and supported by more than £3.5m in investment from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The new building replaces the local authority's Ship hostel in Battery Street and the neighbouring night shelter, which is operated by the Shekinah Mission.

The facility is designed to be a place where residents can access support and learn new skills so they can move towards living as independently as possible. Providing learning and training opportunities during the construction phase for homeless and other vulnerable people is an integral part of the development. Around 30 people have been involved with learning new skills on-site or in workshops with south-west building contractors Mi-Space, who have forged links with a local 'back-to-work' project run by the Shekinah Mission.

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A wide group of people – including those who use current homelessness services in the city – have been involved with the planning and design of the new housing scheme. Designed by local architects Form Design Group, the building will be extremely energy efficient and incorporates renewable energy sources. And there will be a garden where residents can grow their own food to prepare in the training kitchen. It is hoped that this project can help stimulate the continuing regeneration of the Millbay area.

Ron Peak, BCHA Development Director, said: "After months of coordinating the concept, consultation and planning of this project, it's great to see the new housing scheme taking shape. It goes to show what can be achieved when a third sector housing organisation works together with local builders and consultants, local voluntary organisations, the local community and of course, the homeless and other vulnerable people who will benefit most from the service."

(CD/KMcA)