300-year-old convent transformed into rehab facility

A former convent in Derby has been transformed into a state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility after £1.8m was invested in the property.

Innes England has completed an extensive renovation of the former Convent of the Holy Name in Oakwood, which will now be run by the charity and housing association Phoenix Futures.

A new wing of ensuite bedrooms has been added to the Georgian building, as well as a modern kitchen and a discussion and break-out room.

The property now includes a total of 38 private rooms.

The nuns who previously inhabited the convent relocated to a new home in Yorkshire in May last year.

Trish Topliss, associate director at Innes England, said: “It’s been exciting to see this beautiful building develop and take shape over the last few months. The fact that it is around 300 years old means there were some unique obstacles to overcome in dealing with the Georgian architecture. Some modern installations, such as the electrics, had to be approached with extra care.

“Our team of experts worked diligently to ensure the project was delivered on time and to the highest standard. I’m so glad we’ve been able to step in and help stop it from falling into disrepair after its previous tenants sadly left last year.

“I think that the nuns from the Community of the Holy Name would be glad to see that their home has had its life extended and been converted into a place for healing.”

Phoenix Futures helps vulnerable individuals recover from drug and alcohol addiction.

James Armstrong, director of marketing and innovation for the charity, said: “Everyone has potential to make change. This residential service is designed for people who have struggled to access treatment and make the changes they desire in the community. It is one of the only residential facilities to offer support for drug, alcohol and mental health needs on one site.

“For the last decade residential treatment services have been closing due to lack of funding. This will be the first since the new drug strategy was introduced last year to address the inequality of access for people with more complex needs.

“We will work with partners to provide therapeutic support on a one-to-one and group basis, with professional support workers, to help reduce the blame and shame there can be around addiction.

“Residents will be encouraged to support each other and to develop their living skills by being involved in running some aspects of the building, working together as a self-supported community to achieve positive results.”

He added: “The building had lots about it that was really promising and it had previously been used as a care facility – but it still needed work.

“We are grateful to Innes England’s careful work on the project. Everything has been designed with residents in mind – it includes a psychologically-informed layout and awareness of accessibility needs as well as separate male and female areas.

“We are now planning the final preparations to offer an outstanding quality of service so that the people who come here can go on to have happy, healthy lives.”