A HOMELESS Charity is moving into one of Chippenham’s most iconic buildings thanks to help from Stonewood builders.

Chippenham’s Doorway charity, helps hundreds of people sleeping rough, sofa surfing or at risk of losing their homes.

The Castle Combe company has pledged to convert the 118-year-old Citadel Hall on Bath Road into the perfect base for Doorway.

Doorway director Jo Kitching said the move will allow the charity to expand its services, open for longer and help more people.

“The move gives us a massive opportunity to do more of what we need to do and bring everything that is scattered about the town into one place,” she said.

“All of our food is in two private garages in the town, our offices are on Station Hill and we have drop-in and clothes storage at the Salvation Army Hall so having everything in one place is going to be transformational.”

Stonewood will be working at cost to replace all the ground floor flooring, build a new kitchen and install a disabled toilet and shower as well as redecorating throughout.

Ms Kitching added: “I have known about Stonewood for years through my involvement in the property world and they are the best contractor around.

“They have been really enthusiastic about this project and it is an enormous weight off my shoulders that I have got Stonewood who are utterly dependable, looking after the building.”

Staff are busy planning the move, which should be complete by the beginning of July. Having more space will allow it to expand its opening days from its present two to four by the end of the year, growing to five by next year.

Partners such as Wiltshire Council’s rough sleeper outreach worker and Turning Point addiction advisors will be offered private consultation space.

Ms Kitching said the group will also be able to extend work with care leavers and looked after young people over 16.

The additional financial burden of the rent and running a larger operation will mean even more fundraising for the group.

Stonewood Builders managing director Matt Aitkenhead said the 45-year-old family firm is pleased to be supporting the charity.

“We're extremely community-minded and helping a group like Doorway, that does such a fantastic job in helping rough sleepers find somewhere to live and then stay there, feels appropriate for us. We want to see Doorway thrive and we are very proud to be playing a part in that.”