WORKS to transform a homeless hostel in Boscombe in ‘DIY SOS’ style are progressing.

The first stage in phase 1 of the renovation project at Michael House has now been completed.

The facility in Grosvenor Gardens has been providing emergency and longer-term accommodation and services to homeless people in the area for 30 years.

Poole based building inspector MC Plan and Site Services identified a need to renovate the house, and launched a project of 5 phases.

This first stage of Phase 1 saw a storeroom upgraded to a new breakfast room.

The room was stripped out and kitted out with modern lighting, electrics, water supply and drainage, plus a dishwasher and furnishings.

The aim was to provide a peaceful place for residents to be independent and prepare their own meals, or enjoy activities such as painting, quizzes or crossroads.

MC Plan and Site Services said an “enormous transition” is already visible.

Bournemouth Echo: The storeroom (left) transformed into the new breakfast room (right)The storeroom (left) transformed into the new breakfast room (right) (Image: AE Marketing Solutions)

Members of the public and local traders have pledged their time, materials and money to help carry out the first stage.

These included people from companies Lilliput Electrical Ltd, RCC Plumbing and Heating, Chris Dowley Decorating, Griffiths and May Carpets and Flooring, Watts Holt, plus staff at Michael House.

The rest of the project is set to include the creation of a new downstairs accessible wet room and training kitchen.

A new garden room facility will also be built for activities, to include a smaller zone for one-to-one meetings and more personal support away from the main buildings.

MC Plan and Site Services met with representatives of Lilliput Electrical and Oxland Construction Consulting Ltd last week to discuss the start date of the next stage.

Speaking on the need for the renovation, Mark Horsford of Michael House said: “We have been supporting the homeless since 1992 and believe that each individual holds the key to rebuilding their own lives.

“In order to do that we need to offer a safe and pleasant environment for them to flourish, whilst providing the knowledge and skills required to enable our residents to support themselves going forwards.”