Oxford: Lake Street hostel turned into council homes

Roken House, in Lake Street, had served as a hostel for young mothers and ex-offenders since the 1960s, but had been empty for long periods during this time.

Its development comes in response to increased demands for temporary housing for individuals and couples, triggered by the Homelessness Reduction Act of 2017.

Roken House following the development (Image: Oxford City Council)

After being bought by Oxford City Council from Home Group in April 2022, the property underwent substantial renovation.

This included two two-bed flats being turned into three one-bed apartments, each with new kitchens and bathrooms.

Air source heat pumps provide heating and hot water for all nine flats, meaning Roken House is now all-electric.

Roken House before the development (Image: Oxford City Council)

New windows have been installed, a flat roof has been fireproofed to improve an escape route, and a new fire alarm and misting systems has been placed in each flat to suppress the spread of fire.

Councillor Linda Smith, the city council's cabinet member for housing and communities, said: "Roken House has too often been unloved and unused.

"It's great to see ODS giving it a new lease of life. Most importantly, refurbishment of the building now means nine settled council homes for people on our housing register.”

Roken House's nine one-bed flats are now being let as permanent homes to people on the council’s housing register.