Bear necessity: New hub on its way in Deptford for the homeless and community

Work has begun on a pioneering new project that will see the Shaftesbury Centre in Deptford redeveloped to provide a new community hub and 33 homes for young homeless people.

The development is being led by the Deptford Ragged Trust, the charitable trust of the Bear Church, in partnership with J49 Housing, Bench Outreach and Lewisham council.

The existing centre will be replaced with a new community hub – incorporating a flexible worship and event space, a café, a local museum archive – and 33 one-bedroom flats for young homeless people.

The new homes will provide specialist housing for people aged 18 to 35 who are homeless or have a severe housing need. J49 Housing and Bench Outreach staff will support residents into education, training or employment and provide them with the help they need to maintain their tenancies.

The new community hub will host a range of events and activities to benefit the local community, including soup kitchens for rough sleepers, parent and toddler groups, film festivals and exhibitions.

Representatives from the Bear Church, the Deptford Ragged Trust, J49 Housing and Bench Outreach were joined by Cllr Brenda Dacres, cabinet member for Housing Development and Planning at Lewisham council on Thursday morning to celebrate construction works getting under way.

The new building – which will be called ‘The Bear’ – is expected to open in 2024.

Cllr Dacres said: “I am delighted to see work getting under way on this important project that will have a transformative impact on the lives of young homeless people in our borough, as well as providing a fantastic new space for the local community to come together.”

Bex Keer, from the Bear Church and Deptford Ragged Trust, said: “As a church committed to our local area, we are passionate about providing a place of homecoming to the people of Deptford.

“At this time when there is such great need, we seek to be a warm and hope-filled presence for those who need it.”

Simon Thomas, chief executive of J49 Housing, said: “Community is at the heart of all our developments so people can live in a sustainable, affordable home and thrive as individuals.”

Pictured top: Cllr Brenda Dacres, cabinet member for housing development and planning with representatives from the Bear Church, the Deptford Ragged Trust, J49 Housing and Bench Outreach. (Picture: Lewisham council)