A NEW £2.1 million hostel could be built in the town centre to help “break the cycle of homelessness” in Bolton.

The Salvation Army Housing Association (SAHA) has submitted proposals to Bolton Council’s planning committee for a redevelopment at Gilead House men’s homeless hostel in Duke Street.

The plans — a joint venture between SAHA and Bolton Council — would see a new purpose-built facility for young homeless men replacing the existing hostel.

This will remain open while work is under way — but will be demolished once work is complete by mid-2014.

The new hostel would house fewer people, with the number of rooms planned to almost halve from 69 to 36, but would have space for facilities such as communal kitchens.

Salvation Army bosses say it will replace the current “institutional feel” building with one better equipped to help people get back on their feet. Single homeless men will be able to stay for up to six months.

The existing on-site catering facility would be replaced with kitchens — typically with one kitchen for every six rooms — where men would be encouraged to prepare their own meals rather than have them provided.

It will also have communal rooms and residents will get help with issues such as health, finance, housing, employment and training.

Nigel Parrington, chief executive of the Salvation Army Housing Association, said: “The existing centre has an institutional feel with bedrooms off long corridors and poor use of outside areas.

“This design makes the building very difficult to manage.

“The new building will have a modern, open, airy feel incorporating an inside “street” where residents, staff and guests can meet informally.

“While this development provides us with a number of challenges during the construction period, we are confident that, should the plans be approved, then by mid-2014 Bolton will have a unique, modern facility which will assist people to break their cycle of homelessness.”

The project is funded by a grant from the Homes and Communities Agency and the planning application is expected to be considered by planning chiefs in January.