A restored homeless shelter in Stowmarket has officially re-opened, more than doubling the amount of council-funded accommodation for vulnerable people in Mid Suffolk.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Foyer in Stowmarket, which has been restored by the council for use as homeless accommodation Picture: BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILSThe Foyer in Stowmarket, which has been restored by the council for use as homeless accommodation Picture: BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILS (Image: BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILS)

The Foyer on Hill Rise, previously owned by Flagship Housing, was purchased and repaired by Mid Suffolk District Council (MSDC) in an effort to transform the site into a place of security for vulnerable people.

East Anglian Daily Times: One of the double rooms at The Foyer Picture: BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILSOne of the double rooms at The Foyer Picture: BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILS (Image: BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILS)

The building was officially re-opened by Jill Wilshaw, MSDC’s cabinet member for housing, and members of MSDC’s homelessness team at a special ceremony on Monday, September 10.

East Anglian Daily Times: One of the twin rooms at The Foyer Picture: BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILSOne of the twin rooms at The Foyer Picture: BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILS (Image: BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILS)

The facility, which has been unused for over a year, will now provide accommodation for 17 struggling families and individuals while the council investigates their housing requirements.

East Anglian Daily Times: The kitchen at the homeless shelter in Stowmarket Picture: BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILSThe kitchen at the homeless shelter in Stowmarket Picture: BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILS (Image: BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILS)

MSDC said it will provide a mix of single, double and twin rooms and enables the council to avoid overcrowding by placing larger families in multiple rooms.

East Anglian Daily Times: A bathroom in the newly restored facility Picture: BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILSA bathroom in the newly restored facility Picture: BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILS (Image: BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILS)

The pictures show a bright and clean interior, complete with a range of bedrooms, kitchen and washing facilities.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Foyer will house 17 families in a mixture of single, double and twin rooms Picture: BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILSThe Foyer will house 17 families in a mixture of single, double and twin rooms Picture: BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILS (Image: BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILS)