Former Cheshire workhouse could offer new hope for home seekers

An historic Cheshire property formerly used as a workhouse and hospital could become residential apartments after a deal was agreed by a property consultancy.

The Grade II-listed Bevan House and John Snow House, in Nantwich, has been sold by Fisher German to a private investor, for an undisclosed sum, who plans to convert the buildings for residential use, subject to necessary planning approval.

It has not yet been determined how many homes could be created on the site.

The 24,165 sq ft property on Barony Road comprising Bevan House and John Snow House was originally built in 1780 as a workhouse.

In the 1930s, the workhouse was converted into a hospital, known as Barony Hospital, until its closure in 1994.

More recently, the buildings have been used to run administrative offices for an NHS Foundation Trust.

David Newman, Partner at Fisher German’s Manchester office, represented NHS Property Services in the sale.

He said: “While the building has a lot of history, in the post-Covid era of hybrid working and the need to keep costs down, the Trust wanted to move and downsize to a more modern office building that would fulfil its needs.

“Bevan House and John Snow House’s listed status meant wholesale changes would be difficult, but conversion of the buildings into apartments was very possible for prospective buyers.”

He added: “The sale was an excellent result, as it means the buildings will be reutilised and hopefully provide much-needed housing in the area.”