Temporary accommodation created for homeless women and children in Sheffield

Sheffield Council reviewed its temporary emergency accommodation back in 2017 and decided to develop a new purpose built facility.

But it won't be ready until 2021 after builders discovered a number of problems and the cost went up by another £43,000.

As an interim solution a property on Barnsley Road will be converted to provide up to 13, short term emergency homeless places for two to three nights. It will be for single women and single women with children.

The original facility has been delayed for a number of reasons. The contractor stopped work for five weeks due to the Covid-19 lockdown and when the site reopened it was hoped it would be finished by the end of July.

But since the contractors restarted, they have found issues which will cost extra money to complete.

In a report, council officers say: "A leak in the roof valley gutter occurred when it backed up and overflowed before the contractor started on site, leading to significant damage to structural timbers, ceilings and wall finishes within the dwelling.

"As a result, instructions were issued to dry out the structure and repair the damage caused internally.

"Issues were also identified once demolition works began leading to additional lintels, replacement structural timbers and removing an unsupported brickwork hearth at first floor level.

"Further works anticipated include further repairs to the roof structure, gutters and fascia boards, as well additional internal walls to be stripped and plastered. And a planning application was required which was not foreseen."

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