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This article is submitted by a Bondholder Network member. Opportunity Peterborough does not manage this property or have any affiliation with it.

Homeless people in Peterborough are beginning to benefit from the newly refurbished short stay accommodation facility offered by a partnership between the city’s largest housing association, Cross Keys Homes, and Peterborough City Council.

The extensive refurbishment works have been completed and the 53 unit Elizabeth Court is now fully occupied. The facility is being leased by Peterborough City Council, and the management is provided by Cross Keys Homes. It is housing people currently staying in temporary accommodation across the city, including those previously in bed and breakfast hotels.

Residents have moved in over a period of weeks, to ensure that Cross Keys Homes can support them to settle in, assess their needs and help them get the support they need to move into permanent accommodation.

Claire Higgins, Chief Executive of Cross Keys Homes said: “It is great news that Elizabeth Court is open for residents, with the refurbishment works completed on schedule. We can now begin working with the families and individuals to ensure they receive all the support we can provide to help them tackle the challenges they are facing and find a permanent home. We are passionately committed to helping to solve the housing crisis in Peterborough – and particularly the shortage of temporary accommodation and this is one way of doing just that.

“Elizabeth Court has undergone a £788,000 refurbishment to ensure it provides a safe, secure and good quality place for people to live whilst they get back on their feet. It will also pass on considerable savings to the public purse when compared with the costs of housing people temporarily in bed and breakfast accommodation.”

Councillor Peter Hiller, Cabinet Member for Growth, Planning, Housing and Economic Development at Peterborough City Council, said: “Given the national rise in homeless applicants, which is no different here in Peterborough, we’re pleased that this vital short-term accommodation has been refurbished and is now fully occupied as planned.

“People will now be supported to find permanent homes and the council will be working directly with Cross Key Homes to increase the amount of affordable housing available in the city.”