Building work has begun on the flagship Thames Reach Employment Academy which will help Southwark and Lambeth residents, including formerly homeless people, find work.

The building under development at 29 Peckham Road was originally built in 1904 and used until recently as offices by Southwark Council. The Employment Academy will provide support and training for the long-term unemployed to help them develop the skills and confidence to find jobs. It aims to develop a reputation for being a rich source of competent, well trained employees and to have strong links with a range of key employers across the capital.

The contractor, Lakehouse, who are undertaking the refurbishment of the Grade 2 listed building, has allocated ten work placements to local unemployed people. Other opportunities to work at the Employment Academy when it becomes operational will be publicised closer to opening, due to take place in summer 2012.

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An open day will take place on August 9th for local residents where they can hear more about the Employment Academy and the range of services proposed and give their own views on how it can contribute to the local neighbourhood. The Employment Academy will provide a range of community facilities such as a café, an events room and meeting rooms for local people.

The project is funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and is a cross-borough initiative supported by Southwark and Lambeth councils as well as by the London Mayor’s Office.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "Central to my commitment to end rough sleeping in the capital is the ambition to see people rebuild their lives away from the streets. The Employment Academy will provide a great opportunity to bring together the services and support required to unlock the potential of former rough sleepers to help them find work and a better future."

(CD/BMcC)