Plans approved for eco-friendly homeless hostel

Plans to redevelop a former 19th Century convent in Liverpool into an eco-friendly homeless hostel - the claimed to be the UK’s first -have been approved by the city council.

Liverpool Mutual Homes’ (LMH) application to transform Belvidere Road Family Centre into a modern and sustainable centre for families seeking temporary emergency respite was passed by Liverpool City Council’s planning committee.

The work is expected to start in November and will include a new side wing and a rear extension of four apartments along with the upgrading of the existing residential family centre to provide 16 self contained flats housing up to 80 people.

Chief executive at LMH, Steve Coffey, said: “We are delighted the plans have been passed and we can now press on and start to develop what will be a major addition to the city and especially those people who need emergency respite.

“By using such advanced green technology we have developed plans that will provide modern, sustainable and inspiring temporary accommodation, while remaining in-keeping with the Princes Park conservation area.

“Despite the tough economic conditions it is imperative that housing associations continue to address the green agenda as much as possible and the industry becomes a leader in delivering sustainability and passes savings on to tenants to help them financially.

“This scheme is sustainable not only in terms of energy costs and its low carbon footprint, but in its flexible design and construction methods so it is able to cater for a wide range of people and provide them with outstanding care and support for many years to come.”

Councillor Joe Anderson, leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “I very much welcome this development which will provide a modern centre for families in the greatest need. I also applaud the forward-thinking nature of this scheme with its emphasis on being eco-friendly.”

The existing centre comprises of two former semi-detached houses built in the 1870s, which were originally converted into a convent before being transformed into its current use some 20 years ago.

The centre falls in the Grade II listed Princes Park conservation area and the application shows the original façade would be reinstated to its former glory, along with the repositioning of several wheelchair ramps that have been constructed over the years.

Energy efficient products are planned at the heart of the scheme with photovoltaic solar cells to be fixed to the roof to provide electricity, and flat-plate solar collectors and heat pumps will convert hot air into energy and provide hot water.

A large glazed panel will also be part of the extension, allowing natural light into the building with cool air converted into space heating for distribution around the communal areas.

It is proposed external walls will be internally lined with dynamic slim line insulation, which will offer greater insulation standards without significantly increasing wall thickness. Energy efficient windows and doors will be installed to complement the green focus.

The remodelled facility will be flexible with sliding walls accommodating very large families of up to 12 people by combining smaller units or alternatively shrunk for individuals or couples. The designs allow the building to be used by different groups in the future should it no longer be needed for temporary accommodation.

The revamp will also feature family lounges, a library area, offices, laundry, nursery/crèche facilities, meeting and training rooms, a staff sleeping room, and areas for storing large possessions which cannot be accommodated in the living units.

All apartments will have dining/living areas with open plan kitchens and shower rooms will be designed as modern ‘wet’ rooms.

The building will be officially manned at all times with qualified support staff. This support will be commissioned through ‘Supporting People’ - a joint Primary Care Trust, Liverpool City Council, and Merseyside Probation Service commissioning body.

The plans are fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act and all rooms, floors and functions will be wheelchair accessible.

The plans were designed by John McCall Architects following extensive consultation by LMH with existing users and the local community.

Director of John McCall Architects, Paul Moscardini, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to create a new resource which uses the existing historic building to provide a state-of-the-art, sustainable facility.

“It will not only provide excellent, much needed facilities for families in need, but also address the pressing problems of climate change and minimum future maintenance and running costs.”

Photographs: Artist’s impressions show how Belvidere Road Family Centre will look