A local authority is searching for a contractor to complete work to convert an office block into temporary flats for homeless families.

Foy House, opposite Sands Hotel in Margate, was previously used by Orbit Housing but became empty in February 2019, with Thanet District Council eyeing it up for new accommodation.

The development will see the long-term empty building brought back into use to provide eight self-contained one and two bedroom flats.

Thanet council will be publishing the tender papers to appoint a contractor to complete the revamp this week and the closing date for submissions is September 13.

Cllr Jill Bayford, the council's cabinet member for housing, said: "I am delighted to see this project progress.

"It will breathe new life into a derelict building and support the regeneration of Margate High Street.

"Supporting people whose circumstances have left them without secure accommodation is rightly a priority for the council and is just one part of our overall strategy to support the housing needs of people in Thanet.

"It is important that we are able to provide supportive services when people most need help."

The publication of the tender to redevelop the building follows 18 months of work since the council acquired it from the previous owner in November 2019.

The refurbished flats will provide temporary accommodation for people and families with urgent housing needs, who are being supported by the council.

This project will provide a safe and supported home, until new accommodation can be found, according to the council.

All eight flats will be managed by the council, and tenants will be supported throughout their stay by a dedicated manager.

Interested developers will find the details on the Kent Business Portal and on Contracts Finder.

Meanwhile, homeless charities across Kent say the government must continue emergency funding if it's serious about ending rough sleeping.

A report from the Kerslake Commission on Homelessness and Rough Sleeping is calling for the government to maintain the additional funding it made available during the coronavirus pandemic - an estimated extra £82 million a year.

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