A NEW HAVEN for homeless people is one step closer after plans for the building were unveiled this week.

Blueprints and models of the Welcome Centre were shown to impressed business and residents.

The new building is expected to be completed in June 2011, and is funded by the Places Of Change, a �2.8million building programme to improve the help on offer for homeless and vulnerable people in Redbridge.

John Crossley, who uses services at the centre, said: “It will be a brand new and a clean environment which will uplift people and mean they will respect it more.”

Johan Okobi, who used the centre in 2008 and now volunteers there, agreed with Mr Crossley, saying: “The plan for the new centre looks very good. The centre does a lot of good things and the new building means they will be able to do provide a lot more support for people.”

Plans include a day centre and a range of facilities on the lower floor, and accommodation for 11 people on the upper floor.

The Welcome Centre, run by Healthy Living Projects, is based at the Ilford Lane Methodist Church while construction takes place at its original site in Green Lane, Ilford.