PR06.004
14th March 2006

BURY MP SET TO VISIT INNOVATIVE MALTHOUSE SCHEME

An important regional housing charity will welcome local MP David Ruffley to their latest project in the heart of Bury St Edmunds.

St Matthew Housing (SMH) provides housing and support for the homeless or unsuitably housed across East Anglia and the East Midlands. The charity works in a unique way that enables people to achieve their individual goals, at their own pace and in their own communities. SMH has recently started work on the Malthouse Project – an initiative which seems to have captured the imagination of Bury St Edmunds.

The Malthouse Project will transform the last remaining Malting building in the town into a centre for the whole community. Upon completion this 17 th Century structure will provide housing, training and educational opportunities to people in need of support. The scheme will help St Matthew Housing residents and service users take their first steps back into independent living. It will also house a café and Heritage Centre - celebrating the historic importance of the building and the role it played in Bury St Edmunds industrial heritage.

Wendy Cullingworth, Chief Executive of St Matthew Housing said: “We are thrilled with the interest already shown by the local community for this unique project. It is wonderful to have support from both the Heritage Lottery and St Edmundsbury Borough Council. ”

The Bury St Edmunds Town Trust have been firm supporters of the project and Chairman Martin Lightfoot said: “I am so pleased St Matthew Housing undertook the development of this important historic site within the town. It shows the great courage and determination of the organisation.”

David Ruffley will visit the Malthouse Project on Friday 17 th February 2006 at 12.30pm, and will be available for photographs until 13.00.

NOTES TO EDITORS

You are invited to send a reporter and photographer to cover the event on Friday 17 th March. There will be the opportunity to take photographs throughout the visit. Please contact Emma Nicholson on 01284 732554 to discuss your needs or requirements for visit.

St Matthew Housing is a non-religious organisation which fully supports all faiths and beliefs. Our aim is to provide help and support for people of all denominations regardless of religious inclination.

About SMH and The Malthouse Project:

St Matthew Housing is restoring one of Bury's last remaining undeveloped 17 th Century buildings. The Malthouse in Elsey's Yard, just off Risbygate Street, will become an important landmark for the organisation and the town, providing Bury St Edmunds with an important training and support facility for local people in need.

St Matthew Housing residents and service users will work and train in a café which will be open to the public to enjoy. The project also includes a Heritage Centre which will provide a valued addition to the Town Heritage Trail.