Working with Jessop and Cook Architects, Oxford City Council, St Mungo’s Community Housing Association and Oxford Direct Services (ODS) to convert a former Jobcentre Plus building into an assessment hub and emergency shelter for people sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness.

Collaborating with potential service users – including those experiencing homelessness – the building had been designed as a calm and functional environment, with a provision for dogs and a mix of different spaces including private space.

Floyds Row will provide assessment services and shelter for up to 60 people experiencing homelessness or at risk of rough sleeping. 20 spaces will be temporary shelter of up to a week for people whose needs are being assessed, with another 20 beds reserved for people who have been assessed and are engaging with services to find suitable move on accommodation. The remaining beds will be winterlong emergency accommodation available to anyone experiencing homelessness.

In addition to the range of accommodation, the building offers washing facilities, kitchens, treatment rooms, and intensive support to help people move on from a life on the streets.

CBG designed all mechanical and electrical services for the new facility, ranging from boiler replacement, hot and cold water, power, lighting, fire alarm, security, and brand new purpose-built ventilation system.

The project was completed and opened just two months before the pandemic struck, and had to be temporarily re-purposed as a triage centre because residents could not isolate safely in the building.

His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex visited the completed project in May 2021 and heard how the council had forged new partnerships to provide COVID-safe accommodation in hotels and student rooms, and how Floyds Row was and continues to be an integral part of the recovery from the pandemic.

Images supplied by Jessop and Cook & Cyrus Mower Photography

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