New £5.5m homeless centre planned

Plans for a £5.5m centre for homeless people in Northampton are going before councillors next week.

The purpose-built centre in Maple Street will include 49 flats, emergency accommodation, education and training facilities and a day centre.

It will also include a community cafe, sports facilities and even dog kennels.

The scheme is being spearheaded by the Midland Heart Housing Association and Northampton Borough Council and will be supported by a £1.4m government grant.

The plans are being recommended for approval by the council's cabinet on Wednesday.

Services for homeless people, including the Hope Centre - provides services for children and young people with a wide range of special education needs - and the YMCA will also be relocated to the new centre.

The construction of the new centre would see the existing facilities for homeless people in Maple Street demolished.