Liversage Trust Almshouses

We worked with the Trust for 14 years to upgrade listed buildings and create new dwellings on infill sites.

The Trust manages 150 almshouses over four estates in close proximity to Derby city centre.

Our long term relationship with the Trust commenced when we were commissioned to carry out quinquennial surveys of all 150 properties. We were selected due to our vast experience and successful track record in group repairs, listed buildings and estate regeneration.

All of the properties have had their fabric refurbished and repaired to secure another 60 years longevity. Over the 14 years of closely working with the estates management team, we developed a close understanding of the both residents and the Trust's needs. 90% of the refurbishments were carried out in properties occupied by persons over 55 which, meant sensitive planning and phasing of the works was required.

Significant projects and challenges whilst carrying out the repairs were presented and successfully delivered:

London Road Features

London Road estate ‐ A Group of 16th century Grade II listed almshouses and boardroom in a dense urban/commercial community west of the city centre.

• Listed almshouse converted into estate management office.
• Hexagonal chimney stacks rebuilt with handmade bricks.
• 17th century listed boardroom remodelled to achieve access for all.
• Frontage repairs of all stonework and cast iron.
• Received Derby Civic Society Restoration Award.
• Two extensions to 40 bed care home.

Nottingham Road Estate

Nottingham Road estate ‐ A large estate of houses and commercial units converted into almshouse status in the 1980s. Properties ranged from a 16th century coach house to Edwardian terraces situated on the Southern boundary of city centre.

• Conversion of large dwellings into mixed use to provide commercial use on ground floor and apartments to upper floors.
• Conversion of former coach works into five apartments and one commercial unit.
• Demolition of two redundant commercial units both at end of terraces in a conservation area. We designed the eight apartments to be in keeping with the existing terraces whilst providing 21st century facilities.
• Reinstatement of enriched plaster gable with central memorial plaque which involved detailed colour analysis and traditional lead detailing to the frontages.
• Received Derby Civic Society Restoration Award.

Arthur Hinde Close

Arthur Hinde Close ‐ A unique estate of 1970s interlocking bungalows on a steep site situated in a residential area to the East of Derby.

• Due to the interlocking/overlapping of the units, water ingress and condensation were major issues. We developed a strategy to make parapets and first floor patios water tight without detracting from the unique character of the dwellings.
• Redundant manager's house and office converted into two separate dwellings.

Franchise Street

Franchise Street ‐ A 1970s development of two storey flats to the North of the city centre. These were designed around a landscaped garden to provide privacy and a sense of independence from the surrounding terraced streets.

• Client purchased an end of terrace redundant public house adjacent to their estate.
• Careful detailing to connect private dwelling needed whilst demolition took place.
• 12 new apartments created around a new landscaped courtyard which extended the existing gardens. The dwellings were designed to disability standards and provided much needed accessible accommodation for the Trust.