Work continues on the pioneering 'Housing Plus' centre in Stratford

Things are looking good at the refurbished Fred Winter Centre, a state-of-the-art Housing Plus Centre, which is scheduled to open in September this year.

The Fred Winter Centre is a 'Housing Plus' community hub supporting local people in Stratford-on-Avon District, with a focus on providing housing plus a range of services which address homelessness and hardship.

The Fred Winter Centre and its services will be available to tenants, people visiting or referred to the centre, and people at risk of homelessness or face hardship within the local community.

It will also be the new home of the Stratford Foodbank and the centre plans to house a community cafe and bakery.

The 'Housing Plus' services will be provided by local charities and agencies covering housing and money advice, physical and mental health, substance misuse, skills training and access to work experience and includes the following service delivery partners: Springfield Mind, CA South Warwickshire, Change Grow Live, Orbit Better Days, St. Basils, Department for Work and Pensions and P3

The Hub will also provide high quality and affordable accommodation to those who are currently living in temporary placements provided by Stratford District Council.  Those who will be offered a property will have access to onsite support to help overcome challenges and barriers in hope of breaking the cycle of repeat homelessness.

The project is being led by Spring Housing Association, who have a track record of tackling homelessness across the Midlands and has been backed financially by Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Warwickshire County Council, Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council, and Stratford Town Trust. The partnership is also being supported by local charities, health agencies and voluntary bodies who work with rough sleepers and other homeless people in the district.

The Fred Winter Centre at 41 Guild Street, formerly the Fred Winter department store, will be keen to welcome members of the public from September. 

For further information on the Fred Winter Centre please contact: info@springhousing.org.uk