A £3.5 million health and wellbeing facility has been opened to the public.

Social landlord The Calico Group has officially opened Gateway, its new, state-of-the-art wellbeing project on Mitre Street in Burnley, which will provide support, accommodation and training to homeless and vulnerable people.

The new 26-bed facility has been specifically designed for services that will improve people’s health and wellbeing and help to develop individuals’ skills and employability, and support them to move on to permanent accommodation.

As well as combining the expertise of organisations across The Calico Group – including Calico Enterprise, Acorn Recovery Projects and Calico Homes – the team will also work in partnership with external agencies, including the Police and Inspire Drug and Alcohol Service.

The opening of Gateway follows the recent announcement of the government’s Rough Sleeping Strategy, which aims to eradicate rough sleeping in England by 2027.

Anthony Duerden, Chief Executive of The Calico Group, said:”We’re delighted to see Gateway finally open its doors. It’s a fantastic looking building, and we’d like to thank the team at construction firm Ring Stones for all the hard work they put in.

“Gateway will deliver much-needed support with rehousing, health and employment that will provide a lifeline for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. It will be a vital resource.

“With the government placing a renewed focus on ending rough sleeping in England, we’re proud to do our bit in the North West through the services delivered at Gateway.

“Delivering these essential services through Gateway will allow us to continue to strengthen our organisation, expand our offer, and better meet our purpose of ‘making a real difference to people’s lives’.”