HMS redeveloped and fully refurbished two 3-storey apartment blocks for Torus which had become a target for anti-social behaviour and vandalism. HMS was approached by Torus during the COVID-19 pandemic to complete the activities within an accelerated timeframe. Front Field and Stables Court were no longer in high demand and were fast becoming redundant assets for Torus, so HMS transformed the apartment blocks and created 28 new, high quality, modern and secure homes in St Helens, called Champions Court.

With funding provided through the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme, the newly refurbished Champions Court was created specifically to provide sustainable, short-term accommodation to rough sleepers and get them off the streets. Thanks to HMS' ability to mobilise quickly and complete the job in an incredibly tight timeframe, Champions Court was the first scheme completed as part of the funding. HMS mobilised the project in just over 4 weeks during the second lockdown of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The challenging project timescales required the works to be completed 7 days a week and at some points 24 hours a day. COVID-19 operating practices were implemented to keep operational staff safe throughout the works.

The project was developed to give people experiencing rough sleeping a good quality, well designed home and Champions Court will now offer customers' accommodation for up to 3 years and provide round-the-clock support to help them to live independently and safely. Community partners were engaged to ensure new residents were welcomed to the neighbourhood. This included St. Helens Rugby League Club, for whom the new facilities were named after.

With all apartments being fitted with new kitchens, bathrooms, heating and electrical systems, along with each being replastered and redecorated, Champions Court has been fully revamped and is a national exemplar for helping people off the street and into sustainable accommodation.

Each property has also been fully furnished, with furnishings such as a new couch, double bed and 'starter packs' including cookers, fridges, crockery and cutlery - everything needed to set up home - which means that the occupier has everything in place to live well.

One customer commented: “Me and my dog had been homeless for four months. We both love our new flat, it’s a good size and looks nice and the bathroom is a great size. It’s great that it’s furnished and ready to live in, I love my double bed! It’s changed my lifestyle and is also a safe place for me and my dog.”

Another added: “Champions Court is a great community. I love my furnished flat - it’s a great size, feels safe, people are caring and the neighbours are great. I especially love the kitchen and having a cooker means I can cook fresh food.”