Havering Council has announced when a vacant hostel for homeless people will be demolished as part of plans to develop the site into a new residential centre.

Abercrombie House, a 36-bedroom property in Harold Hill, will be knocked down in May to make way for the new family welcome centre project that was approved by the council in March 2021.

Its residents have now been moved elsewhere according to their needs, the council said.  

The former Harold Hill Library and an ex boxing club will also be bulldozed as part of the scheme.

Romford Recorder: Artist impression of the Family Welcome Centre CourtyardArtist impression of the Family Welcome Centre Courtyard (Image: Havering Council)

The family welcome centre plans will deliver 74 temporary emergency accommodation dwellings, a new health centre, communal facilities and a secure courtyard.

It is the first phase of the Harold Hill town centre regeneration masterplan that also includes the redevelopment of the Farnham and Hilldene Estate and Chippenham Road.

Read More: Green light for new 74-room temporary accommodation and health centre in Harold Hill

The hostel was formerly a children’s home that was reopened after a £1 million refurbishment in 2013 and could house up to 160 people.

It was in the news in February this year when a care worker and her family were evicted after Havering Council deemed them as “voluntarily homeless”.