A Cheshire-based developer has given a homeless shelter in Chester a much-needed facelift.

Archway Homes, of Great Barrow, has completed a renovation project for Chester Aid to the Homeless (CATH) at Crispin House.

The two organisations established a relationship after Archway Homes decided to donate a percentage of their profits to local charitable causes which yielded a good link to the housebuilding industry, homelessness being top of the list.

Crispin House, a shared house offering supported accommodation for the homeless, hadn’t been renovated since 2008, and, when Archway Homes business manager Rachael Whelan was shown around she felt it was just the sort of project they were looking for.

She said: “It ticked all the boxes, was right on our doorstep, and, being a renovation project, we were able to utilise several of our subcontractors, who were happy to get involved.”

Developer Archway Homes has completed a renovation project for Chester Aid to the Homeless (CATH), giving their homeless shelter at Crispin House a much needed facelift
Developer Archway Homes has completed a renovation project for Chester Aid to the Homeless (CATH), giving their homeless shelter at Crispin House a much needed facelift

The work has included a paint job, new carpets, fixing various plumbing issues and a top to bottom clean inside. Outside the fencing has been painted and the garden given a revamp ready for the summer. The whole project cost around £10,000 in time and materials.

CEO of CATH Robert Bisset said of the project: “It is truly a wonderful gesture from Archway to step in at a time when the charity sector is going through such a difficult period. CATH is truly delighted to have received such generous support from a local housebuilder; it has greatly lifted spirits throughout the charity for trustees, staff and clients alike. Thank you Rachael and all the team.”

Rachael is now looking for their next charitable venture, “We’re entering our next financial year and new funds are available for causes like Crispin House so now’s the time to get in touch.”