MULTI-MILLION pound plans to extend an emergency homeless hostel have been revealed.

Glasgow councillors will be asked to approve £4.5m of funding for the Rodney Street accommodation centre in the north of the city when they meet on Thursday.

The work would see a two-storey extension added to the Salvation Army-ran building, providing a reception area, interview rooms, staff support areas and a new bedroom, suitable for those with a disability.

Plans for the development follow the closure of emergency accommodation in Tradeston last year.

Councillor Kenny McLean, City Convener for Neighbourhoods, Housing and Public Realm, said: “Glasgow City Integration Joint Board approved in May 2018 the ambitious proposal for Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership to work jointly with a range of partners to upscale the Housing First approach in Glasgow to respond more effectively to homelessness in the city, particularly for those people with multiple and complex needs.

“The approved proposal has included the re-provisioning of building-based emergency accommodation services by the Salvation Army at Rodney Street to a Housing First Model, facilitating the closure and relocation of Clyde Place to Rodney Street to continue to provide accommodation and an assessment centre.”

Moving Clyde Place Emergency Accommodation and Assessment Service to Rodney Street was an interim measure, with the extension described as a “permanent proposal” by Mr McLean.

Housing First sees the Council take a rapid rehousing approach, moving the most vulnerable people into a tenancy and giving them relevant support.

It follows a deal between the Council, Social Bite and Wheatley Group, which saw over 50 tenancies made available.

The Salvation Army has been given the contract to provide intensive support to ensure tenants gain the skills required to run a home, such as liaising with utility companies and paying bills.

It also covers assistance with accessing health services, further education, training and employment opportunities.

Speaking previously, councillor Mhairi Hunter, chairman of the Integration Joint Board, said: “People can find themselves homeless for numerous different reasons including health issues, relationship breakdowns and personal tragedies.

“When people are at their lowest, they need our help most. Housing First is a rapid rehousing approach to help people with complex needs rebuild their lives.

“It is radically different to the traditional approach to helping this vulnerable group.”

Clyde Place services in Kingston House closed in September last year. The building will form part of the mixed use Buchanan Wharf development on Tradeston’s waterfront.