PLANS to move a Leamington homeless shelter to a new home have been ditched.
The LWS Night Shelter, which runs at weekends from the Priors Club in Tower Street, was set to move to the former Old Italian Club in Packington Place, off High Street, to allow it to continue its operation.
Warwick District Council (WDC), which backed the plans, applied for permission to demolish an ageing extension to the front of the building while adding a two storey extension to the side, together with the creation of a dormitory style room, a kitchen and communal dining area.
But when approached by the Observer for an update, WDC said the building was no longer deemed suitable for the shelter.
A spokeswoman said: “As Packington Place has proved to be unsuitable for use by LWS following a detailed survey, they will continue to use the facilities at the Priors Club.”
She added there were ‘no immediate plans’ for the Priors Club’s demolition.
WDC was set to contribute £50,000 to the £110,000 cost with the remainder being raised through crowdfunding.
The district council spokeswoman also pointed out the council-owned William Wallsgrove House in Lillington Road provided accommodation for 22 people with on-site staff available at all times.
The hostel opened in 2018 as part of the council’s commitment to tackle homelessness in the district.
The Observer has contacted LWS for a response but has yet to receive a reply.
At the time the plans were revealed just over a year ago, the directors said they were “extremely pleased” to be working together with the council to tackle homelessness which was a major issue in Leamington.
