Plans for the major transformation of a Basingstoke hostel that provides emergency accommodation for residents at risk of homelessness are being firmed up after the council agreed to purchase the building.

May Place House, at the Top of the Town, is set to undergo an extensive refurbishment from January to bring it up to modern standards and protect the vital service, which provides targeted support and an important first step for people moving onto permanent accommodation.

The building, which offers 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 Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s specialist outreach service. Support services for residents living at the facility are commissioned by the borough council and funded by Hampshire County Council.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and London and Quadrant Housing have now signed contracts that will see the council take ownership of the building from January 2026. Work to secure a specialist housing and support provider is due to begin this summer and refurbishment work is set to start in January.

This will 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 is expected to reopen by autumn 2026, with alternative accommodation in place for anyone at risk of homelessness 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 underpin its 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: “Following our initial decision in March, we have been working relentlessly to complete the work needed to purchase May Place House as quickly as possible. This represents a huge commitment from the council to protect a vital lifeline for our most vulnerable residents.

“By investing in this life-changing facility, we are not only protecting essential services for those at risk of homelessness – we are moving a step closer to bringing May Place House up to modern standards.

“But this is about more than bricks and mortar. Through our work with partners in the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership, we are passionate about creating a safe and welcoming space where individuals can get early and targeted support at the start of their journey to independence and a permanent home.