A HOMELESSNESS charity has created seven new rooms above one of its shops in Colchester High Street to help its members live more independently.

Emmaus Colchester has converted the first floor of its Home Shop, creating new living space for seven “companions” - homeless people helped by the charity.

The conversion, which has been named Dave Parks House in memory of a former staff member, features a communal living room, a kitchen and seven en-suite bedrooms.

Denise King, chief executive officer of Emmaus Colchester, said: “The space above the Home Shop was used for storage but it made more sense to convert the first floor into extra rooms for companions.

“They told us they wanted bigger rooms to enjoy and to be more independent, which Dave Parks House will give them.

“The adjustments needed to the Home Shop on the ground floor to allow for access, also gave us the opportunity to refresh our retail offer and overhaul our flagship store.”

Architects Purcell designed the development with Abacus Build UK completing the works.

The project was funded through the charity’s social enterprise schemes with an additional £100,000 grant from Emmaus UK.

Charles Ince, trustee of Emmaus Colchester, said: “The completion of the conversion is the realisation of an idea first discussed five years ago.

“Any number of people, past and present trustees, staff, companions and external professionals have been instrumental in bringing this project to a successful conclusion.

“While I cannot name check them all, I would like to thank Simon Plater for his initial scheme and planning work, Craig Woods, of Purcell, for making the project a reality and all the team at Abacus Build, who have persevered throughout these Covid times to deliver the completed scheme.

“The trustees believe that this additional accommodation provision is available at a particularly important and challenging time for our local homeless and we look forward to helping yet more people rebuild their lives and their confidence, finding meaningful work within the Colchester Emmaus community.”

Emmaus supports homeless people by offering accommodation and work to help them back to becoming independent.

The latest project is part of plans to increase Emmaus Colchester’s permanent accommodation, which includes 24 rooms at the charity’s Community House on Magdalen Street, while reducing its rented portfolio.