Local councils supporting almshouse regeneration

Historic almshouse embraces new technology – 10 September 2024

After 440 years Wirksworth’s original almshouse has received a major refurbishment that creates affordable housing fit for purpose for many more years to come – and your District Council has helped.

In 1584, Anthony Gell of Hopton Hall, near Wirksworth, stipulated in his Will that his executor and brother Thomas Gell should “within a year and a half of my death bestow of the making and building of one Almshouse in the side of the Hannage near the new bridge the sum of £60”.

The Almshouse originally comprised six flats, though by 1963 the accommodation had been altered to allow for four larger flats. Over the last 60 years these flats have received some upgrade, but the fabric of the building had deteriorated significantly with age.

Last year the the Anthony Gell and Anthony Bunting Almshouse Charity was awarded a grant from Derbyshire Dales District Council not only to refurbish the property, but to achieve a real step change in the energy conservation of the building. This presented a major challenge given that the building is Grade 2 listed. Reducing the residents’ fuel bills and improving the quality of their accommodation was also an important consideration. To achieve this the very latest of technologies have been employed, whilst incorporating them in a sympathetic way.

The building work was completed in June of this year, taking seven months. An air source heat pump has been installed to heat the flats, via both underfloor heating and radiators, ensuring that the temperature in the flats is maintained at 21 degrees. This has been made possible by stripping all plasterwork back to brick and applying the latest technology in insulating plaster material. In addition, a full ventilation and heat extraction system and double-glazed windows have been installed to ensure a steady internal temperature is achieved. Each of these elements has been necessary to achieve the required objective.

The opportunity was also taken to install new kitchens and bathrooms, to a high standard, and, where possible, improving the ease of use for those who have mobility issues.

Nigel Johns, chair, the Anthony Gell and Anthony Bunting Almshouse Charity, said:

“This project has demonstrated that, with careful planning, an historic building can be refurbished in a way that delivers a considerable improvement in its energy efficiency, whilst not compromising the historic fabric of the building.

“The trustees of the charity are delighted that such a historic building is set up for many years to come, whilst protecting the legacy of Anthony Gell. At the same time this has provided comfortable and affordable accommodation to the residents, which is so important.”

On behalf of the District Council, Director of Housing Rob Cogings said:

“The Council is pleased to have worked in partnership with the almshouse charity to secure the long-term future of the four flats and significantly improve the energy efficiency of the homes. The Energy Performance Certificate for the flats has improved from a poor F rating to D.

“This is one of a number of schemes financed by the Council to support small community-based housing providers deliver much need homes for rent. It is great to see these historic homes given a new lease of life.”

Scheme to transform Minster Quarter comes to a close – 2024

A Scheme to restore some of Sunderland’s best loved heritage buildings has come to a close after six years of making improvements to the city’s Minster Quarter.

Sunderland City Council was awarded £1.9m in funding thanks to National Lottery players via The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme in 2018. This combined with contributions from the owners and tenants has seen over £3m invested in the city centre buildings and activities throughout the scheme.

The Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme has focused on repairing historic buildings, improving public spaces, and hosting events and activities to promote the history of the area. It has aided restoration works at The Peacock, The Dun Cow, the rear wall of the Gibson Almshouses and the roof of the Sunderland Empire Theatre and Box Office, as well as repairs to buildings on Low Row, Church Lane and High Street West.

Minster Park was completely revitalised as part of the scheme in 2020, with new landscaping that features a central sensory garden and historic features of the area reinstated.

Now the scheme has come to a close with a celebration event at the Sunderland Empire Theatre.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Business, said:

“As the Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme comes to a close it is the perfect time to reflect on the brilliant work which has been carried out as part of the project since 2018.

“We have seen Minster Park completely transformed into a beautiful green space for the city centre, and iconic Sunderland buildings like the Empire Theatre, Dun Cow and The Peacock repaired and preserved. This has made a big difference to the Minster Quarter and complements the ongoing work on the Riverside Sunderland development where we are transforming the city centre into an extraordinary place to live and work and a vibrant destination for leisure and culture.”

Councillor Beth Jones, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism, said:

“The work that has been undertaken as part of the Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme has helped to improve the look and feel of a vibrant new cultural quarter in the heart of the city centre. Maintaining and preserving our beautiful heritage buildings means that they can be be enjoyed for many more years to come.”

Since its launch, volunteers have spent more than 2,000 hours participating in the Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme, including activities like carrying out historic research, recording lost voices with community actors, music workshops and crafting an embroidered banner that now hangs in Sunderland Minster.

The project also saw 63 students on construction courses at Sunderland College spend over 850 hours on site undertaking training and learning opportunities, and 13 young people learning media skills were also offered placements.

Louise Sutherland, Head of Engagement, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said:

“It is fantastic to see the completion of the Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage project and the hard work of all involved. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, this project has transformed a local green space, restored the fabric of late Victorian and early Edwardian buildings of Sunderland’s historic townscape and shared the areas fascinating heritage, ensuring it can be enjoyed by local people and visitors from further afield for years to come.”