Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council chose partnership housing expert and regeneration specialist Lovell Partnerships to refurbish the building, which will now be known as Eaton House.
Eaton House is a major scheme for the local authority, and provides 33 bedrooms and five crash suites over three floors, enabling the council to provide much-needed emergency accommodation for homeless families and individuals. The unit welcomed its first customers last month.
The iconic building used to house council staff in an open-plan office, and has stood empty for some time. The refurbishment will serve the needs of families and others within the community who find themselves in very distressing circumstances.
The facility’s modern design ensures great flexibility of space; areas of the building can be safely compartmentalised for families dependent on size, by locking specific areas off or opening as required. Bedrooms come complete with shower facilities and kitchenettes, as well as numerous disabled showers and rooms. The regeneration has also created communal kitchens, bathrooms, dining/lounge areas and meeting and training rooms, alongside a warden’s office.
Nuneaton and Bedworth, Conversion and Re-Modelling of Riverside Council House, from offices into Emergency Accommodation for homeless people
Carl Yale, regional refurbishment director for Lovell, said: “We are pleased to extend our working relationship with Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, whilst providing flexible and much-needed accommodation finished to a very high standard. We are exceptionally proud of this project and to be involved in the delivery of safe and secure accommodation for homeless families.
“It hasn’t been easy to complete this project throughout the pandemic but our strict Covid-safety measures have ensured that we’ve been able to safely continue work in line with Government guidance during both lockdown periods.”
Cllr Christopher Watkins - Portfolio holder for Housing and Communities commented: “Lovell has done a great job to complete the works on this facility throughout the pandemic. We are delighted that it was able to open before Christmas to provide this much needed facility for people who desperately need it. The property has been finished to an exceptionally high standard, providing modern and comfortable facilities for its customers. I would like to thank Lovell and all who have worked hard on this project to bring it to finalisation.”
