It was built using a �1m government grant and can provide refuge for up to 11 families.

Refuge staff said the new facilities would offer women more privacy as they would not have to share bedroom space with their children.

The development follows a consultation with residents and ex-residents over what they wanted to see in a refuge.

The refuge also aims to give domestic abuse victims access to family support, childcare, training and advice.

Manager of North East Lincolnshire Women's Aid, Denise Farman, said the last two weeks had been very busy for the builders and the staff as they wanted to ensure the new centre was ready to move into by Christmas.

"There was no way that we wanted (the women) to spend another Christmas in that temporary accommodation so we've rushed and got this building open for them so they can settle in nicely into their flats ready for this Christmas, which will be nice for them," she said.