A Basingstoke hostel which provides emergency accommodation for residents at risk of homelessness is set to undergo a major transformation as part of work to protect the vital service.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s decision-making Cabinet will consider proposals to purchase May Place House, at the Top of the Town, and carry out an extensive refurbishment of the building to bring it up to modern standards, at a meeting next week (Tuesday 18 March).

The building, which offers up to 20 emergency beds for single people at risk of homelessness, is currently owned by London and Quadrant Housing Trust with residents referred to the service through the council’s specialist outreach service and the council’s homelessness team. Support services for residents living at the facility are commissioned by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and funded by Hampshire County Council.

If approved by Cabinet, and subject to further surveys on the building, refurbishment work would be set to start by January 2026.

This would see the building modernised to provide a warm and welcoming space, including accessible rooms, en-suite bathrooms, additional kitchen areas and better communal areas, as well as improved office space where individuals can get one-to-one support.

Subject to the refurbishment work being completed, the building would then reopen by autumn 2026, with alternative accommodation and support being offered for people who become homeless while work takes place.

As well as the accommodation provided at May Place House, residents also receive specialist support from partners in the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership, which takes a collective approach to tackling homelessness in the borough.

This includes working closely with individuals to focus on their specific needs and address the often complex issues that have led to them becoming homeless, as well as supporting them as they look to move onto more permanent accommodation.

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “Nobody in our borough should have to sleep rough. We have committed to using our resources to vastly improve the standards of facilities for those at risk of homelessness across Basingstoke and Deane as part of Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership’s trailblazing work to tackle homelessness.

“We have a duty to support the most vulnerable members of our community and must seize our chance to protect this life-changing service with both hands. Owning this building would give us an exciting opportunity to bring the facilities up to modern standards. It would also provide a safe and welcoming space where individuals can get early and targeted support, working with our partners, as part of their journey to independence and a permanent home.”

Residents and visitors who spot someone sleeping rough in the borough are asked to report this to ensure the individual gets the help and support they need at https://thestreetlink.org.uk/

For more information on the work of the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership to tackle homelessness in the borough visit www.realchangebasingstoke.org.uk or follow @realchangebas on Facebook or X.