Home set for social landlord to develop

As reported by the Yorkshire Post, Hull Council's cabinet approved plans to shut Rokeby Resource Centre in Rokeby Avenue, west Hull in 2007 – leading to a High Court battle,

There had been a long-running row about of the closure and how it would affect the futures of 15 elderly residents.

Critics claimed members, residents and their representatives had not been consulted properly and that this breached the council's constitution.

But the centre – which was built more than 50 years ago – had been one of hundreds of civic buildings damaged in the Hull floods of that year, which forced the elderly people to be evacuated upstairs.

The council argued the long-term interests of care services in the area would be better served by a fresh start.

Now, three years later, the City Council has agreed to transfer the land of the former resource centre to Pickering and Ferens Homes.

This will clear the way for the social landlords to enter a bid for funding from central government. Pickering and Ferens Homes are based in Hull and operate in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.

If the bid is successful, the organisation will build 10 two-bedroom houses which will be specifically designed for older people.

Councillors have welcomed the decision to transfer the land which means work could start on the site as soon as March this year.

If the bid is not successful, Pickering and Ferens Homes will continue to seek funding to deliver the site.

Councillor Sarita Bush said: "This is fantastic news for the area and also for older people in the city.

"I am in support of the proposals that are coming forward and will with my ward colleagues do what we can to help."