Spendells House, in Walton-on-the-Naze, is being converted by Tendring District Council (TDC) into temporary accommodation, used to house people and families who find themselves homeless.

Contractors Arc Group London Ltd has taken possession of the site in Naze Park Road and started the works, which are anticipated to be completed in Spring 2024.

The existing two-storey accommodation will be renovated and additional facilities added, overall providing 32 flats, including one which is wheelchair accessible – while there will be flexibility to connect some flats to accommodate larger families.

Laundry and bathroom facilities will also be added, while the adjoining bungalow on the site will be converted to provide office space for TDC staff and partner agencies supporting the families temporarily housed there.

Two members of staff will be on site during office hours, with other provision outside of those times, to manage the building and support households.

Andy Baker, TDC Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, said the investment in the facility would benefit both residents and the council.

“Creating this new facility at Spendells House will provide much-needed emergency accommodation, and reduce our reliance on bed and breakfasts for those in need,” Councillor Baker said.

“Not only is this much better for those who find themselves in such difficult circumstances – keeping them closer to their home and providing a guaranteed minimum quality – but also will reduce our spending on costly emergency accommodation.

“I look forward to the opening of this facility once work has completed next year.”

Spendells House closed in March 2018 after low take-up of the sheltered accommodation there.

In 2019/20, 268 households were placed in emergency temporary accommodation with the average time spent in the accommodation being five weeks.

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