As part of the organisations development strategy we secured resources in 1999/2000 for the purchase of a derelict nightclub in the centre of Stockton, the name of the nightclub was Heaven, hence the title of the project. The nightclub had been closed for several years and was in a state of substantial dilapidation, an eyesore and was attracting a high degree of vandalism.

The organisation raised every penny to buy the building, covered the renovation through further donations and in kind support from a number of local and national partners the nightclub was renovated utilising the Key Skills project.

The project now provides office accommodation for the organisation, is a central hub for our work with homeless people in Stockton and incorporates a drop in, ICT room, life skills area, a workshop and meeting room.

Owning the building has expanded our asset base and made the organisations financial position more robust. The organisation leases the top floor offices out to other agencies, which in turn creates another valuable income stream for the organisation. A Henry Smith Charitable Foundation Trustee described the organisation as having a 'can do' attitude during a visit to the project.