FURTHER survey work of a Bournemouth church hall is needed before the council can acquire it and create a new centralised hub to support homeless people.

BCP Council chiefs signed off on plans to purchase the hall at St Stephen's Church in May last year.

Councillor Drew Mellor, council leader, recently said the health hub was a key part of the local authority's investment to help homeless members of the community.

However, the acquisition of the hall in St Stephen's Way has not been completed eight months on from cabinet approval of the plans.

Councillor Hazel Allen, BCP Council's lead member for homelessness, said: “The process of acquisition is still underway and not yet finalised.

"Conveyancing for property sales always take time and this situation is further complicated by the requirements of the Charities Act.

"Due diligence is progressing, including the need for additional survey work in advance of any sale."

The planned central hub would offer advice services on top of healthcare provision.

The investment, which in part is being funded from government, aims to address concerns that the current arrangement with a range of different organisations providing services often leads to duplication of efforts as well as the ability to travel for multiple appointments.

Alongside healthcare, the central hub would provide debt, housing and employment advice to help people access advice quickly and aid them in moving off the streets.

“The health hub concept will bring together multi-disciplinary working for people affected by homelessness, in related areas such as health, housing and social care," said Cllr Allen.

Bournemouth Echo: Cllr Hazel AllenCllr Hazel Allen

"It will provide help with mental health and substance use, and for this care and support to be coordinated in order to get the very best outcomes.”

The cost of acquiring the church hall for the health hub project has not been made public by the council.