The Greater London Authority is looking for empty office floors, leisure or retail space as well as hotel rooms in which to house homeless people during the current period of freezing weather – and has called on the commercial real estate industry to help.
The GLA has issued the request via the London Property Alliance, which comprises the Westminster and City property associations and has more than 420 members.
“The mayor is working with homelessness charities and the London boroughs to find safe spaces across the capital and get rough sleepers off the streets during the dangerously cold winter weather,” said the LPA, adding that the GLA will take responsibility for short-term use of any space offered and ensure it is returned in good condition.
Charity partners including St Mungo’s will provide food, medical and other support, as well as a bed for the night.
Space should be in TfL zones 1 and 2 and be weatherproof, have running water and be able to be heated and lit.
Anyone with space to suggest should contact LPA director Rosie Day at rosie.day@cwpa.org.uk
To send feedback, e-mail tim.burke@eg.co.uk or tweet @_tim_burke or @EGPropertyNews
