A HOUSE-warming party has been held to mark the opening of a new 50-bed development to help get homeless people off the streets of Southend.

Yesterday, the Archbishop of York, the Most Rev Stephen Cottrell - originally from Leigh - visited Southend homeless charity Harp to celebrate the opening of the Bluebird accommodation.

The Bluebird, which features an intricate terrace of six brand new shared houses, as well as three renovated properties in Southchurch Avenue, is now home to up to 50 people who are recovering after a period of homelessness.

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The high-quality accommodation provides a foundation for people in Southend to find stability and live comfortably while they engage with Harp’s support services and work towards independent living.

The new build houses are built to environmentally-friendly standards, meaning their carbon footprint and energy efficiency are exceptional. 

The project has also already been shortlisted for two awards at the prestigious Unlock Net Zero Awards.

Archbishop Stephen grew up in Leigh and has been a long-term supporter and admirer of Harp’s work.

His late father John Cottrell was a founding trustee of the charity, and the family continue to passionately support the cause of homelessness.

At the opening, Archbishop Stephen, said: “It has been a delight to be here today to mark the official opening of Bluebird.

“This brilliant facility will enhance the vital work Harp does to help people in Southend overcome homelessness for good.

“Having grown up locally and served as the Bishop of Chelmsford, Harp has always held a special place in my heart.

“Throughout the Gospels we see Jesus caring for the poor and the excluded and crying out for justice. 

“Charities like Harp clearly embody these same values and principles.

“It is very good to see this new beginning and carry on helping a charity which my family has supported for many years.”

The residents welcomed guests to the house-warming party, and they all enjoyed music, a BBQ, and a tour of the development. A commemorative tree was also planted by Archbishop Stephen to mark the occasion.

Nicky Bowling, director of property development at Harp, said: “It is a great achievement for Harp to create the first Passivhaus of this kind for people recovering from homelessness, demonstrating our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, and recognising the environmental impact we all contribute to.

“We are so pleased we have managed to create high-quality accommodation that makes vulnerable people feel valued and safe in an environment where they can stabilise and progress on their journey to independent living.

“Thanks go to our project design and development team, Harp’s trustees and our generous funders, who have all worked closely together to achieve the shared vision.

“A special thanks to Archbishop Stephen for taking the time out of his busy schedule in York, to come to Southend and officially open this exciting new project for us.”

Homes England, key Bluebird funders, added: “Despite the current challenges affecting the country, accelerating housebuilding remains our number one priority.

“We are committed to supporting Harp that have ambitions to build new homes and our investment through affordable housing grant allows us to do that.

“We are delighted that this funding has enabled Harp to deliver much-needed new homes in Southend.”