CIVIC chiefs have approved more than £600,000 to refurbish a city centre property as temporary housing for Ukrainian and Afghan refugees. 

Winchester City Council triggered the funds to regenerate 59 Colebrook Street, which has been empty for two years.

The total approved is £610,000. Hampshire County Council provided £250,000, the Local Authority Housing Fund £206,000 and £154,000 from prudential borrowing.

Speaking at a meeting on Tuesday, November 21, Cllr Chris Westwood, cabinet member for housing, said: “This will provide accommodation for people on various government resettlement schemes. The property meets the need for temporary accommodation. 

“It's in a good, central location with good access to training and is near all transport links. It is expected that the council's use for this property would be predominantly Ukrainians. 

“Winchester currently has 62 single Ukrainian households with hosts. 

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“The council's resettlement team would continue to support them while they lived there. This will be a real value in the long term.”

Ian Tait, former city councillor, said: “Over the years it has been used to house a variety of people including those who are homeless and staff at a local restaurant. 

“I'm staggered that the council is seeking approval to spend £610,000 to refurbish a property which has been left empty for over two years. 

“It has already been used as an HMO so why is it costing so much to bring it up to an acceptable standard? 

Hampshire Chronicle: 59 Colebrook Street

“I have to wonder how the council has let this property get into such a sorry state. 

“I previously questioned why 16 Tower Street was empty for four or five years, then a full planning application was submitted to split it into two flats. After securing permission, it was sold at auction for £418,000. 

“I worry that the council isn't looking after its assets well enough. The council should just sell 59 Colebrook Street and buy another property elsewhere. 

“I'm concerned there is no consistency with the council's approach.”

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Cllr Danny Lee, Green Party member, said: “I welcome the council's plan for 59 Colebrook Street. I fully support bringing council owned properties back into use. 

“Inflation and rising materials costs limit the refurbishment.”

Cllr Caroline Horrill, Conservative group leader, said: “I am in favour of making more homes available for our residents and those we are supporting from overseas. Bringing a former council property back into use is clearly a good thing. 

“But we have a property in Eastgate Street which was suggested for Ukranian use, but this hasn't come forward. 

“So why 59 Colebrook Street? Clarity about what is acceptable would be helpful.”

In response, Cllr Westwood said: “This house was used as an HMO. If you don't use something, it deteriorates quickly. It's not going to be a low cost job to bring it back into use. 

“The roof needs replacing and there is considerable work to be done. 

“Selling it off would not be the right thing to do. We are keen to get this house up and running as soon as possible.”

The committee agreed to approve the funding.