Nobles starts work on Liverpool monastery

NOBLES Construction has begun work on the first Carmelite monastery to be built in Liverpool in more than 100 years.

The monastery at Maryton Grange, Allerton, is believed to be the largest purpose-built Carmelite monastery in Europe currently under construction and will be the new home to the Carmelite Sisters who are relocating from their present monastery in West Derby.

The order of 30 Sisters will be moving to the more secluded location after 100 years at its present monastery, next to Broughton Hall and Cardinal Heenan Schools. Everton-based Nobles Construction has already begun work on the 390,000 sq ft site on Allerton Road.

A three storey building, which has been designed by architects Austin-Smith: Lord, will be built using traditional materials and will feature a central chapel, cloister and work areas, together with a care facility for elderly sisters.

Extensive landscaping will also take place in the monastery gardens where 2wildflower meadows and water features will be added and more than 1,500 trees planted. The 60-week project is expected to be completed in summer 2012.

Peter Linford, director of Nobles Construction, said: “This is an exciting and challenging project for us as it will be the first new-build Carmelite monastery in Liverpool for more than a century.

“The building and landscaping has been designed to meet the requirements of the order and remain sympathetic to a traditional style monastery whilst incorporating 21st century facilities.

“We are working closely with the Prioress to ensure these needs are met and that their move is as smooth as possible. The new building will reflect its peaceful environment and include renewable energy installations as well as protecting existing wildlife.”

The Prioress, Sister Mary, said: “Whilst West Derby has been our home for over 100 years and we will be sad to leave, we felt it was time to move to a location which will be more compatible with our way of life.

Peter Brack, director at Hardie Brack chartered surveyors, who are project managers to the Carmelite Sisters, said: “The monastery project has been five years in planning as we have adopted a collaborative approach to create a living environment that benefits the Sisters with their contemplative life.”