Hardy House opens in Portland to support homeless households.

Five high-quality, affordable homes for people and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness have today been officially opened by Dorset Council on the site of the former Portland youth hostel.

The £1.3 million project, part-funded by Homes England, has transformed the former COVID-19 response site into three two-bedroom and two one-bedroom self-contained flats, including an adapted ground-floor unit for residents with mobility needs or carers.

Known as Hardy House, these homes will be allocated and managed by Dorset Council’s Housing Team, ensuring fair and transparent access based on assessed need.

Councillor Gill Taylor, Cabinet Member for Housing and Health, said:
“The refurbishment of Hardy House marks a significant step forward in Dorset Council’s approach to tackling homelessness.

“It will provide a safe, family-oriented environment designed to support households who are homeless. The site fulfils an important housing need in the area and includes a spacious communal garden, offering secure, high-quality homes and a welcoming space for all.”

Hardy House will provide short-term accommodation for people, as they work with their housing officer to secure a long-term home.

This approach helps keep households together, reduces reliance on costly and unsuitable B&B accommodation, and supports residents’ mental health and wellbeing during a vulnerable time.

These are affordable homes that are insulated to high standards to help reduce energy costs for tenants.

The success of this project has been made possible thanks to the support and collaboration of key partners, including Portland Town Council, A Hammond and Sons Ltd (the contractor), and Dorset Council’s Housing teams. Local councillors and community representatives have also played an important role in championing the scheme.

Kamila Bell, Affordable Housing Delivery Manager at Homes England, said: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting ambitious housebuilders of all sizes to build those homes and communities.

“This investment into Hardy House through the Affordable Homes Programme does just that, enabling Dorset Council to build five much needed new homes the people of Portland can be proud of.”

People are expected to start moving in over the next few weeks.

Hardy House was originally designed in the Edwardian period and was completed around 1906.

Constructed with narrow bands of Portland stone, the house was built originally for the Admiralty’s Chief Civil Engineer. In later years, it was also used by the navy and the military police, with one of the rooms used as a prison cell. 

The building was leased to the YHA in the mid-90s by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council. An official opening was held on 6 April 2001.