Georgian town house in £1m refurb

A GRADE II-listed building in Liverpool city centre has been converted into nine one-bedroom apartments as part of a £1m renovation.

Croft Goode Architects designed the apartments at Elm Terrace on Beech Street, Kensington, on behalf of social housing provider Riverside.

Before the work the building consisted of a dilapidated pair of town houses which had been placed on the at risk register. One of the properties had only its front façade remaining and has now been rebuilt with the front elevation retained.

Croft Goode said it worked closely with Liverpool City Council’s conservation team to preserved the historical integrity of the Georgian building, which dates back to 1840.

The homes were built by Frank Rogers Construction and will all be made available for social rent.

David Croft, a director of Croft Goode Architects, said: “In light of the bedroom tax, the demand for one bedroom homes has sharply increased. The ‘compact living’ trend has also led to the growing popularity of smaller, affordable living spaces.

“The Elm Terrace homes were designed with the requirements of the local people in mind following a public consultation last October. The properties were in a state of disrepair and considered an eyesore, so it is pleasing to be able to restore a building of historical significance while providing quality affordable housing.

“Special attention was paid to ensure the terrace retained its historical features and character, while meeting the modern standards of living and security.”

Justin Gore, Riverside development manager, said: “This has been a key project for us, and part of a wider programme of regeneration in the area. We have been able to not only bring empty buildings back into use and remove blight, but have also ensured these historic buildings are preserved.”