Member Article

Abandoned hospital given luxurious lease of life

A unique development in Stafford which saw a former 19th century hospital restored to become a collection of luxurious apartments, has now been completed.

Previously named St George’s County Asylum, the grade II listed building on Cooperation Street first opened in 1818 and housed over 1,000 patients with dysentery and syphilis, before it closed in 1995.

When work began to transform the structure, floors and walls were crumbling and some parts of the building had to be demolished, following 20 years of neglect.

However today, the building is unrecognisable. What was once a decaying and uninhabitable building, is now a collection of beautiful one, two and three-bedroom apartments and has been renamed St George’s Mansions.

Behind the incredible transformation is housebuilder, Shropshire Homes who has been working on the development since 2015. The team was keen to preserve the history of the hospital and maintain the Georgian architecture.

In order to achieve this, Shropshire Homes worked closely together with leading roof tile manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles, who has extensive experience in re-roofing and restoration projects.

The manufacturer supplied 20,000 of its Lothian tiles in Slate Grey. The cost-effective tiles were able to replicate the look of other natural slate tiles on the building, whilst providing the sustainable benefits of concrete.

The Lothian tiles form part of Russell Roof Tiles’ Natural Range - an expanding selection of thinner leading edge interlocking concrete tiles. When laid, the tile gives the appearance of a small format tile with the commercial benefit of a larger format tile.

Andrew Hayward, Managing Director at Russell Roof Tiles said: “This is the first project that we worked with Shropshire Homes on and we are proud to have been part of such a fantastic transformation.

“With significant experience in re-roofing, the Russell Roof Tiles team is equipped to provide suitable roofing solutions which not only meet the current building requirements but which also provides sustainable benefits for many years to come.”

Managing Director for Shropshire Homes, Howard Thorne added: “These magnificent old buildings deserve some TLC invested back into them. The original architecture is captivating and we enjoy the challenge and are motivated by the outcomes we can achieve – characterful, luxurious homes with attractive period features.

“We work with the best of the original features and combine innovation and vision with craftsmanship to transform the old and unloved into something new and desirable.

“It’s been a privilege to deliver this project and give Stafford a truly wonderful building that will stand with dignity for many years to come.”

Russell Roof Tiles is a leading independent roof tile manufacturer providing products for leading UK house builders and high-profile social housing and commercial projects, where sustainability and eco-credentials are of the utmost priority.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rebecca .