Farewell to Duke of York in Boston as demolition work begins

The site in Lincoln Lane is to be used for a supported housing complex – the first of its kind in the town.

Framework, a charity working with homeless people across Lincolnshire and the wider region, has been granted permission to build 18 units for homeless people at the address.

Residents, who are expected to move into the completed site in Autumn 2020, will be housed in self-contained fats, each with its own bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room.

As well as having a roof over their heads, they will be supported by staff to address the challenges they face, with a view to them gaining greater control over their lives, before moving on to more independent accommodation.

The development, jointly funded by Homes England, Framework, and the Medlock Trust, will replace existing accommodation at South Terrace – an older building that was not purpose-built to house homeless people.

Speaking in September following the approval of the plans by the borough council, Framework chief executive Andrew Redfern said: “This kind of modern, purpose-built accommodation has been desperately needed in Boston for many years, and we have been working for very hard to make it a reality.”

“The increase in homelessness and rough sleeping locally and across the county over the last 10 years has been alarming,” he added. “The key to tackling it successfully is to provide high quality supported accommodation where people can live with dignity, in good quality accommodation where they can receive the support they need to get their lives back on track.

“Effective partnership working is key to delivering this kind of accommodation and I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in this project to date. I know that this development will be a vital asset in tackling homelessness in Boston for many years to come.”