Whitefriars Housing together with Wates Living Space has officially opened a new homeless centre in Coventry.

The multi-million pound 'Gateway' development in Hillfields has been purpose-designed to help local homeless people achieve independent living and improve their employment aspects.

Built by Wates on behalf of Whitefriars Housing, Gateway resides on a former industrial site on Adelaide Street.

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The modern facility provides 61 studio flats and two one-bedroom apartments.

The projects completion marks the conclusion of a 17-month construction programme by Wates.

The scheme was part-funded by a £2.1m grant from the Government's Homes and Communities Agency with the additional £3.9m funded by Whitefriars Housing.

Catherine Collis, Assistant Director at Whitefriars Housing, said: "It's great to see our vision has become a reality. This partnership facility ushers in a real change in Coventry’s homelessness approach and will help make sure that some of our most vulnerable residents get support to not only avoid sleeping in unsafe places, but also address the reasons why they need emergency accommodation."

The centre was officially opened at an event on 30 July.

(LM)