Lincoln Women’s Refuge
Providing a roof and reassurance:
A purpose-built Refuge in Lincoln, opened in July 2009, offers a safe haven for women and children who have experienced domestic violence or abuse.
Background
National charity Women’s Aid provides safe temporary housing, advice and support for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. Longhurst Homes has partnered with the charity for several years, having converted and managed refuge accommodation in locations across Lincolnshire. Lincoln Women’s Aid approached Longhurst Group to assist them in identifying possible sites, to secure government funding for them for the project, to liaise with the local authority and to project manage the scheme on their behalf.
Meeting demand
The charity had occupied its premises for around 20 years. Located at the top of a steep hill, accommodation was spread out over four floors – so women and children with mobility difficulties couldn’t be supported. In any case, demand consistently outstripped supply for the six rooms available. Also, the building age and condition also meant that facilities weren’t fit for modern-day living, and running and maintenance costs were high.
Beyond the Brief
Finally a solution
With support and private finance from Longhurst Homes and a commitment to supporting City of Lincoln Council and Women’s Aid in providing new refuge accommodation. Ongoing discussions with parent company, Longhurst Group, identified a potential development opportunity - an existing garage site in the local authority’s ownership.
Community Solutions
The site had previously been notorious for fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, so development presented an opportunity to re-use the land and provide much-needed facilities. Representatives from the Longhurst Group team and Women’s Aid consulted the local community about the proposals. As part of this process, the need for additional lighting and parking was identified – so Longhurst Group committed to providing extra works as part of the scheme development.
Purpose-built development
Working in partnership
The refuge was developed by the Longhurst Group team in partnership with City of Lincoln Council. The council provided land on a 99-year lease arrangement and Longhurst Homes leased the building to Lincoln Women’s Aid, with agreements established to provide supported housing across the lease term. The Homes and Communities Agency provided £674,000 towards the scheme as part of the East Midlands 2008-2011 National Affordable Housing Programme. This was supplemented by private borrowing organised by Longhurst Group.
Sustainable development
The development was built using timber frame construction – a fast and economical method – using timber sourced from sustainable forests.
Final Scheme
Work started on-site in July 2008 and was completed 12 months later. Gillian Merron MP opened the new refuge on 18 September 2009.
The finished development provides 11 self-contained units; nine are for women with children, whilst the other two support women without children. Each unit includes living and sleeping rooms, a bathroom and kitchenette. There are also three communal kitchen areas and two communal lounges. The refuge also includes a specially-adapted unit for women and children with disabilities or higher support needs (such as alcohol dependency). Designed with close input from Women’s Aid, adaptations include a specialist care wing with security entry, ‘lifetime homes’ standard kitchens and bathrooms, specialist shower equipment, grab rails and so on. Providing a safe, welcoming environment for residents was absolutely critical to the success of the development. The refuge is staffed 24-hours a day, every day of the year. On-site CCTV, secure parking and a range of complementary security measures provide vital reassurance for residents.
Conclusion
The new refuge provides much-needed housing and support to women fleeing hostile and difficult circumstances. The project has also been welcomed by the local community.