Plans to convert one of Newham’s former Victorian maternity hospitals into a shelter for rough sleepers, has reached a landmark point.
As World Homelessness Day (October 10) approaches, Newham Council is reaffirming its commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness by creating new spaces designed to help residents rebuild their lives and move towards lasting independence.
Work is set to begin on transforming Lady Helen Seymour House, one of Newham’s former Victorian maternity hospitals, into a supported accommodation and assessment centre for residents who have been sleeping rough or are at risk of homelessness. The project represents a key step in providing safe, dignified, and stable accommodation for some of Newham’s most vulnerable residents.
The site will contain 42 rooms for single adults, offering personalised support to help individuals recover, stabilise, and move into permanent housing. Importantly, the building’s design will be shaped in partnership with people who have experienced rough sleeping, ensuring that every space promotes healing, dignity, safety, and wellbeing.
Plans to convert one of Newham’s former Victorian maternity hospitals into a shelter for rough sleepers, has reached a landmark point.
Buxton Building Contractors Limited has been appointed to carry out the work by the London Borough of Newham.
The work will see Lady Helen Seymour House – which was bought last year from housing association L&Q – transformed into a supported accommodation and assessment centre for the borough’s homeless and those experiencing rough sleeping.
It will contain 42 rooms for single adults and provide a pathway to help some of its most vulnerable residents to focus on recovery and independence to move into permanent accommodation.
The architects will work with former rough sleepers to aid with the design of the rooms and communal spaces to create environments that promote healing, dignity, safety, and well-being for all service users and to support resident journey to independence
As part of its bid Buxton will offer apprenticeships and employment opportunities for Newham residents.
They will also work with the local community to deliver improvements to nearby Lister Gardens.
The acquisition of Lady Helen Seymour House and the renovation is being paid for out of £9.3m grant secured through the Single Homeless Accommodation Programme (SHAP) fund.
The fund is managed by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Greater London Authority (GLA).
Cllr Rita Chadha, Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care, said: “As we mark World Homelessness Day it is good to let people know that a lot of work is going on in the background to help end rough sleeping, not just in Newham but across the capital.
“This was a project that was very important to Cllr Neil Wilson, who sadly passed away earlier this year and won’t be able to see it taking shape.
“Once completed it will mean that vulnerable people with sometimes very complex problems will be able to get all the help, they need to get off the streets.”
Change Grow Live (CGL), which was commissioned by Newham to provide Integrated Rough Sleeping Support Services, supported 190 people off the streets from September 2024 – September 2025.
During the Pop-Up Winter Hub 2024/25 provided 40 emergency bedspaces for rough sleepers within NEL boroughs, in total 66 rough sleepers supported and of those 41 moved onto longer term accommodation.
Ends
Newham’s Housing Needs Service: Delivering Safety, Stability and Hope on World Homelessness Day
On World Homelessness Day, Newham is proud to spotlight the transformative work of its Housing Needs Service, which continues to provide life-changing support to thousands of residents facing housing insecurity.
Newham has one of the highest rates of homelessness in England, with 31 initial homeless assessments per 1,000 households—more than double the national average. Despite this immense demand, the borough’s Housing Needs service have made significant strides in prevention, relief, and long-term housing solutions.
In 2024/25:
- Newham Homelessness Prevention and Advice Service (HPAS) is number 1 when compared to our 12 nearest neighbours in relation to prevention and decision making.
- 67% of closed prevention cases were resolved through private rented sector accommodation.
- The borough secured £26.1 million in homelessness and rough sleeping funding for 2025/26, enabling expanded services and targeted interventions.
Case Study: Safety and Empowerment Through Housing Support
One Newham resident, a mother of three, approached HPAS while facing imminent homelessness. She was a joint tenant with her ex-partner, who had subjected her to domestic abuse through controlling behaviours—including withholding essential documents needed to access rent support. This led to rent arrears and a threat of eviction.
Thanks to the coordinated efforts of her Housing Advisor, an interpreter, HPAS’ internal Domestic Violence Specialist, and the Private Sector Solutions Team, the resident was supported to:
- Access all necessary documentation.
- Secure a safe, sustainable alternative property.
- Regain control of her finances and future.
Today, the family is safe in a location unknown to the alleged abuser, and the resident is empowered to build a secure life for herself and her children.
Looking Ahead
As Newham continues to face complex housing challenges, its Housing Needs Service remains committed to ensuring every resident has access to safe, secure, and sustainable accommodation. On World Homelessness Day, we reaffirm our dedication to protecting the most vulnerable and building a borough where no one is left without a home.
