LMH planning application tackles green and homelessness issues

Published by Jean Clarke for Liverpool Mutual Homes in Housing and also in Communities, Environment, Health, Local Government

Plans to redevelop a homeless hostel in Liverpool using the latest energy efficient products and techniques have been submitted to the city council.

Liverpool Mutual Homes (LMH) and project partner Liverpool City Council have applied for planning permission to transform Belvidere Road Family Centre into a modern and sustainable centre for families seeking temporary emergency respite.

Plans designed by John McCall Architects include a new side wing and a rear extension of four apartments along with the upgrading of the existing residential family centre to provide 16 self contained flats housing up to 80 people.

The existing centre comprises of two former semi detached houses built in the 1870s, which were originally converted into a convent before being transformed into its current use some 20 years ago.

The centre falls in the Grade II listed Princes Park conservation area and the application shows the original façade would be reinstated to its former glory, along with the repositioning of the various wheelchair ramps that have been constructed over the years.

Energy efficient products are at the heart of the scheme’s proposals with photovoltaic solar cells providing the electricity fixed on the roof alongside flat plate solar collectors providing hotwater combined with heat pumps installed to convert hot air into energy.

A large glazed panel would also be part of the extension, allowing natural light into the building with cool air converted into space heating for distribution around the communal areas.

External walls will be internally lined with super dynamic slim line insulation which will offer greater insulation standards without increasing wall thickness significantly. The windows and doors will be replaced with energy efficient ones to complement the green focus.

The remodelled facility would be flexible with sliding walls accommodating very large families of up to 12 people by combining smaller units or alternatively shrunk for individuals or couples. The designs allow the building to be used by different groups in the future should it no longer be needed for temporary accommodation.

The designs also feature family lounges, a library area, offices, laundry, nursery / crèche facilities, meeting and training rooms, a staff sleeping room, and areas for storing large possessions which cannot be accommodated in the living units.

All apartments would have dining / living areas with open plan kitchens and shower rooms will be designed as ‘wet’ rooms.

The plans show the building to be staffed at all times with appropriate trained and qualified support staff. This support will be commissioned through ‘Supporting People’ - a joint Primary Care Trust, Liverpool City Council, and Merseyside Probation Service commissioning body.

The plans are fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act throughout and all rooms and functions will be wheelchair accessible on all floors.

Chief Executive at LMH, Steve Coffey, said: “Two of the most important aspects of our work are to tackle homelessness and the green agenda and this scheme addresses both thanks to the innovative techniques it proposes to adopt and use.

“Following extensive consultation with current users of the centre, we have developed plans that will provide modern, sustainable and inspiring temporary accommodation to families who find themselves homeless at short notice, while remaining in-keeping with the Princes Park conservation area.

“Despite the tough economic conditions it is imperative that housing associations continue to address the green agenda as much as possible and the industry becomes a leader in delivering sustainability and passes savings on to tenants to help them financially.

“This scheme is intended to be a flagship green project, sustainable not only in terms of energy costs and low carbon footprint, but also in its flexible design and construction methods so its is able to cater for a wide range of people and provide them with outstanding support.”

The application is expected to be heard by Liverpool City Council’s planning committee in early summer.

LMH’s work to address the green agenda was recognised last year by the Homes and Communities Agency in awarding the housing association its coveted Reducing Carbon award.

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