Liverpool is witnessing a significant change in its housing landscape. Plans to convert an under-occupied student accommodation and aparthotel into supported living flats have recently received approval. This development reflects a growing need to address homelessness and provide better support for vulnerable individuals.
Pembroke Studios, located at the junction of Pembroke Place and London Road, is at the centre of this transformation. Built in 2018, this six-storey building currently offers a mix of student accommodation and aparthotel rooms. However, falling student demand has made much of the space underutilised.
Why Convert to Supported Living Flats?
The decision to convert Pembroke Studios stems from a clear social need. The developer, YMCA Together, identified the building as ideal for supported living flats. This choice aims to provide temporary housing for people experiencing homelessness. These flats will offer a secure and supportive environment for individuals who need help to regain stability in their lives.
Currently, student accommodation faces declining demand, especially from international students. This trend has led to numerous blocks like Pembroke Studios remaining under-occupied. Rather than letting the space go to waste, converting it into supported living flats offers a practical and compassionate solution.
What Are Supported Living Flats?
Supported living flats provide residents with more than just a roof over their heads. They include access to specialist support services designed to assist people in managing daily life. These flats cater primarily to individuals with a history of homelessness who need low to medium levels of help.
In this scheme, residents can stay temporarily, usually for three to six months. This period allows them to rebuild their confidence, develop life skills, and prepare for long-term housing. Support workers are available 24/7 to provide guidance, assistance, and care.
Details of the Pembroke Studios Conversion
The approved plans will convert the upper floors of Pembroke Studios into 94 one-bedroom supported living flats. The ground floor commercial units will remain unchanged and continue to serve local businesses.
Minimal physical changes are needed for this conversion. The developer will install an intercom system to enhance security and communication within the building. This ensures residents’ safety without major structural work.
The flats will be designed to accommodate the specific needs of residents. This includes ensuring easy access, privacy, and comfortable living spaces. The focus is on creating a welcoming home rather than just temporary accommodation.
The Role of Specialist Support Workers
A team of ten to twelve specialist support workers will manage the supported living flats. They will provide round-the-clock care and assistance to residents. Their work includes helping with budgeting, health appointments, and social integration.
This support network is crucial for helping individuals transition out of homelessness. With continuous guidance, residents can regain independence and confidence. The aim is to create a stable environment that promotes long-term success.
The Importance of Location
Pembroke Studios’ location is ideal for this project. Situated near Liverpool city centre, residents will have easy access to essential services. Nearby public transport, healthcare facilities and shops will make daily living more manageable.
The area already includes several blocks of student accommodation, so the change will not impact housing availability for students. Instead, it fills a gap in supported housing for vulnerable people.
Addressing the Decline in Student Demand
The decision to convert Pembroke Studios also reflects a wider issue in Liverpool and across the UK. Falling international student numbers have left many accommodation blocks underused. This trend was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and changing travel restrictions.
Developers must adapt to these market shifts. Transforming under-occupied student housing into supported living flats is a smart way to respond. It benefits communities by addressing housing shortages for vulnerable populations.
Social Benefits of Supported Living Flats
Supported living flats offer more than just housing solutions. They foster community integration and personal development. Residents gain access to support services that help them improve their lives.
These flats reduce homelessness and its associated challenges. By providing a stable home, residents can focus on employment, education, and health. This approach saves public costs on emergency housing and healthcare in the long term.
What This Means for Liverpool’s Housing Market
Liverpool’s approval of this conversion marks an important step towards more inclusive housing policies. It shows that the city values social responsibility alongside urban development.
Supported living flats contribute to a diverse housing mix. They meet the needs of various groups, including students, families, and vulnerable individuals. This variety strengthens communities and promotes social cohesion.
Future Outlook for Supported Living Flats
The success of Pembroke Studios’ conversion could inspire similar projects across the UK. Many cities face similar issues with under-occupied student housing and homelessness.
Local authorities and developers can collaborate to create more supported living flats. These projects offer win-win solutions that help both residents and neighbourhoods.
How Residents Benefit from Supported Living Flats
Residents moving into supported living flats gain stability and dignity. The temporary housing gives them space to rebuild their lives. Support workers assist in finding permanent homes and employment opportunities.
This model empowers individuals rather than creating dependency. It encourages personal growth and self-reliance while providing safety nets.
Minimal Disruption to Local Community
Since the ground floor commercial space remains intact, local businesses will continue to thrive. This limits disruption and preserves the area’s economic vitality.
The building’s external appearance will not change significantly. Residents will blend into the existing community seamlessly.
A Compassionate Solution for Homelessness
The conversion of Pembroke Studios is a compassionate response to homelessness. It recognises that shelter alone is not enough. Residents need supportive environments to truly thrive.
Supported living flats combine housing with vital services. This integrated approach leads to better outcomes for individuals and society.
Supported Living Flats as a Sustainable Housing Model
The approved plans for Pembroke Studios highlight a positive shift in housing strategy. Supported living flats address social needs while making efficient use of existing buildings.
Liverpool’s initiative could pave the way for similar developments nationwide. As student housing demand changes, supported living flats provide a timely, humane and practical solution.
At Prem Property, we remain committed to supporting individuals in accessing the right supported living flats. Our expert team is dedicated to helping people find safe, supportive homes where they can rebuild their lives with dignity and care.
This model benefits vulnerable people, the community, and the city’s housing market alike. It shows how thoughtful urban planning can create lasting social impact.