The Government has earmarked a building at 9 Johnstone’s Passage as a half-way house for men.

The property in question was subject to a tender process which closed on 29th November. However, the Government was not satisfied with any of the proposals received.

A meeting of the Cabinet last week decided that the property would be repurposed to temporarily house men who may be rendered homeless as a result of family separations or for other such reasons.

The building in question has now been transferred from the Government’s land agents Land Property Services Ltd to the Housing Department who will run and manage the project.

The Minister for Housing, the Hon Pat Orfila, said: “I am delighted that 9 Johnstone’s Passage has now been made available to the Housing Department for use as a half-way house for men. This will fulfil an important manifesto commitment on the part of the Government once it is complete. The project will go through the design, planning and refurbishment stages in order to be prepared for its new use.”