WORK on a controversial new £1.6 million housing development for young homeless people in Kidderminster is two months ahead of schedule, according to organisers.

The Foyer, in Bromsgrove Street, which is being built by affordable housing provider West Midlands Housing Group, could open as soon as December.

Building work began in January this year. The scheme will provide 19 units of accommodation, office space for staff and training space to help 16 to 25-year-olds access training and employment and give them somewhere safe to live.

The project, however, came under fire last year when neighbouring traders on Lion Street told The Shuttle they feared the location had become a “no-go area”, with drug addicts, alcoholics and homeless people being “dumped” near their businesses.

The project will be managed by St Basils, a charity which works with young people to prevent youth homelessness and contractors Bullock have already taken on some youngsters on a work experience programme.

St Basils service manager Emma Poole said: “The project will provide long term stability and support to help young people gain the skills they need to live independent lives.

“We will be able to support them to get into training and employment through our skills and work programme.”

A young person taking part in the work experience programme, who did not want to be named, said: “It looks great already but I’m looking forward to seeing it finished. It makes you feel quite proud to be part of.”

Conservative Wyre Forest district councillor Anne Hingley, cabinet member for place-shaping, said the building would also improve the regeneration of the area.

“Unfortunately, good quality, supported accommodation is very limited so this scheme will make a difference to the lives of the district’s young people,” she added.

The Foyer has been financed through a mixture of funding streams from various sources, including WM Housing Group, the Homes and Communities Agency, Worcestershire County Council and the district council.