Much needed move-on accommodation for previously homeless young people will be officially opened in Retford on Thursday 3 March by Councillor Teresa Critchley, Cabinet Member for Housing and Leisure at Bassetlaw District Council.

The million pound development for Nottingham Community Housing Association on Wright Wilson Street comprises 21 one and two bed flats, 12 of which will be managed by their Housing with Care and Support staff. The remaining 9 will be for general needs tenants who will be nominated from Bassetlaw’s housing list.

Wright Wilson Court has been developed on a brownfield site brought to NCHA by a local land agent. The building was carried out by NCHA’s partner contractors, William Davis of Loughborough. The building costs of £1,289,976 were met by Social Housing Grant from the Housing Corporation and the bid was supported by Bassetlaw District Council who had identified the need for affordable rented accommodation in Retford.

The 12 flats identified by BDC will service NCHA’s supported housing project at Cobwell Road and other similar supported housing schemes. Although these schemes were working well they were finding it increasingly difficult to source move-on accommodation which would offer a reduced level of support whilst assisting in the progression towards independent living.

Supported Housing Manager Andy Dent, commented “Basically, the system was silting up due to lack of move-on accommodation. Wright Wilson Street bridges the gap from when young people first come to supported housing and before they move on. NCHA can provide support and help to get them back into education or work whilst they are adjusting to living on their own. It can be a daunting prospect living on your own for the first time without help from family or friends, and that’s where we come in.”