A COMPLEX costing £3.6million and aimed at helping young homeless people kick-start their lives is set to open later this month.

The Blackburn Foyer, under construction in Feilden Street for more than a year, will provide safe and affordable accommodation for up to 18 months.

The complex, being funded by government cash under the first round of single regeneration budget schemes dished out seven years ago, will consist of 34 single-person apartments and eight flats for lone parents.

A number of other agencies have been involved in the project, originally pioneered in France in the 1950s, including St Vincent's Housing Association, Blackburn with Darwen Council, Nightsafe, Blackburn College and ELTEC.

The concept behind the scheme is simple -- if people want to stay there, they have to agree to an 18-month programme to teach them new skills, both educational and practical, which will set them up for life.

An IT suite, training kitchen, training suites, a roof garden and communal space have all been built to provide training facilities on site.

A spokesman for the Foyer scheme, which also operates elsewhere in the country, said: "While many training and job-finder opportunities will exist on site, the Foyer encourages the residents to look beyond the Foyer for opportunities.

"By building the Foyer close to the town centre and across the road from the college, our residents will be given the best access to other training, education and job opportunities available in one of Lancashire's largest towns"

Young people will be referred to the Foyer from homeless shelters, colleges or by the council. Blackburn MP Home Secretary Jack Straw unveiled a plaque when work began on the site. Coun Dave Hollings, who represents the council on the Foyer project, said: "The staff have begun moving into the Foyer and the first clients will arrive later this month.

"It is an excellent addition to the facilities already on offer to people who need help, and will also play a vital role in helping vulnerable people.

"We are grateful to all the organisations who have played a part in the Foyer."

There are currently 96 Foyers in the UK including those at Blackpool, Morecambe and Manchester, which opened in 1998. A similar scheme has also started in South Ribble.

SRB money is targeted at deprived areas, with the aim of improving quality of life and prospects for residents.