Homeless hostel will 'enhance city'

York Housing Association has also pledged to talk to residents who live nearby, incorporating "safety and security features" into the final design.

The Press revealed on Thursday how the controversial relocation of Arc Light was given the go-ahead by councillors from City of York Council. The application to move the centre to the Union Terrace car park was unanimously approved.

Today, Christine Storrs, housing association chief executive, said: "We have worked closely with local residents and taken their concerns seriously, incorporating a number of safety and security features into the final design.

"We are very proud to be involved in the development of this flagship scheme and will continue to work with our partners to take the scheme forward.

"We will provide the very highest standard of accommodation to people when they really need it, giving them help and support to get back on their feet.

"We are thankful to our partnership with Arc Light and the tremendous support from the Department of Communities and Local Government, the Housing Corporation and City of York Council to get us to this stage."

The new centre will include 35 bedrooms, with facilities including training rooms, workshops, a healthcare centre, a gym and a café.

Arc Light was forced to move from its Leeman Road home because facilities were inadequate - and the site has been earmarked for a massive redevelopment.

The Union Terrace site emerged following a public consultation, after an attempt to move it to the former Shipton Street School provoked fury from local residents.

A spokesman for the association added: "The new building will provide not only a place where Arc Light residents can live in a pleasant, integrated environment and successfully rebuild their lives, but also an iconic building that will enhance the city landscape and complement the local surroundings."

Work on the site is due to begin in the coming months.