Leicester-based design practice rg+p has secured planning permission from Dacorum Borough Council (DBC) to build 56 council flats and a new base for local homelessness charity DENS in Hemel Hempstead.
DENS’ current offices and foodbank at the Paradise Depot site site will be transformed into a new two-storey building, including a bike workshop, first-floor community café, kitchen and meeting rooms.
This will be rg+p’s third affordable housing scheme in Hemel Hempstead.
Wendy Lewington, DENS CEO, spoke to HEMELnews and said: “The community café will provide training opportunities for our clients and local vulnerable adults, whilst providing nutritious and affordable café-style meals for the community.
“Our aim is for The DENS Centre to become a real community hub in the heart of this new development where people can access support, visit our foodbank, or just meet for a cuppa and a chat.”
The charity HQ will neighbour a new apartment block of 56 one- and two-bedroom homes for social rent, where each flat will have its own balcony and access to a residents’ garden.
The new apartment building is set to replicate the Tudor and Georgian buildings of Hemel Hempstead Old Town, blending red and dark brickwork with intricate detailing. Construction is expected to begin over the summer.
This will form part of DBC’s drive to build 350 council homes by 2026.
Wendy added: “We are most grateful to DBC for their full support in enabling this project to go ahead. The DENS Centre will bring together a number of our community-based services into one building, giving local people easier and quicker access to our services and the support they may need.”
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