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Historic Hospital Reborn as Affordable Homes
20 Jan
Summary
- Keelman's Hospital, built in 1701, will be restored into 20 apartments.
- A £4.6m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund secures its future.
- The redevelopment aims to preserve its historic features and add renewable energy.
Newcastle's Keelman's Hospital, a building with origins dating back to 1701, is undergoing a significant restoration project to provide affordable housing. This historic Grade-II listed structure, which once offered care to the poor and later served as housing and student accommodation, closed in 2009 and had fallen into disrepair.
A crucial £4.6m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund has been awarded to the Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust, enabling the transformation of the building. This funding will facilitate the creation of 20 new apartments, ensuring the preservation of the Keelman's Hospital's significant heritage.
The redevelopment will see the historic building modernized with renewable energy technology, while carefully retaining its original features like its clock and turret. The project also aims to engage the community through a "living classroom" approach, offering talks and tours during the restoration. An oral history project will gather memories from former residents.
