TEN homeless families will have somewhere to live thanks to new flats developed in Alton.

A redundant office building at Prospect Place, on Mill Lane, has been extensively remodelled into a scheme of 14 two-bedroom flats. Ten of the flats will go to homeless families while the remaining four will be made available for families using the Hampshire Home Choice housing list.

The development is the product of a partnership between Petersfield Housing Association, who will own and manage the flats, and East Hampshire District Council (EHDC), which has put £800,000 toward the £2.7m project.

The high-quality homes are within walking distance of the shops and the town centre.

Dave Chapman, chairman of Petersfield Housing Association, said: “Good housing is a basic need and the housing crisis today is well documented. It’s a privilege, therefore, to be able to announce the completion of 14 new homes for people in Alton.

“This is a successful partnership project that wouldn’t have come to fruition without the support and backing of East Hampshire District Council.”

He added: “The new homes are predominately for local homeless families who are in desperate need of accommodation that is built to a high standard.

“We are proud to have been part of this partnership and of the quality of the homes we have provided.”

Tony Muldoon, chairman of EHDC, added: “East Hampshire may be a wealthy and affluent district but homelessness is still a serious issue here. There are still many individuals and families with nowhere to call home who rely on the support of authorities like Petersfield Housing Association and East Hampshire District Council.

“We also have many households looking for new accommodation using the Hampshire Home Choice bidding system. This scheme will provide a safe, high-quality home for some of the district’s most vulnerable people.”

Ward district and county councillor Andrew Joy said: “It is really good to see this building put to such good use after some three years or so lying empty. The standard of internal design and finish in these 14 apartments is excellent and they will provide exceptional and welcoming homes. They are superbly located within easy reach of the town centre, public transport, including rail, and have Kings Pond and the River Wey almost on the doorstep.

“I am delighted to welcome new residents and am sure they will be very happy here.”

At Monday’s launch, Mr Joy and Mr Muldoon joined Mr Chapman in planting a cherry tree outside the building to mark the special occasion.