Contractor appointed on Birmingham building project for homeless

Jul 19 2010 by Alun Thorne, Birmingham Post

Midland Heart has appointed Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) to deliver the multi-million pound redevelopment of the Snow Hill homeless scheme in Birmingham city centre.

The £6.25million contract will see the former hostel transformed into 92 apartments for both men and women ready to leave direct access accommodation.

The Midlands-based firm will begin work on site immediately and the development is scheduled to complete in late 2011.

The project forms a key part of a plan to revolutionise housing and support provision for Birmingham’s homeless population.

Midland Heart, in partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency and Birmingham City Council, is taking steps to transform the facility providing a service that will set standards for services in the future.

Chris Munday, managing director of care and support at Midland Heart, said: “Whilst direct access accommodation will continue to be available for those who need it, the plans for Snow Hill focus around additional services providing support and training opportunities.”

Fraser Mercer, managing director at FHM, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with Midland Heart to deliver a scheme which will operate as a blueprint for others in the future.”