From cell doors to front doors – historic Wirral law courts are transformed into housing
For over a year, the Old Court House in Wallasey has sat behind safety netting and scaffolding, as we carefully transformed the building into 21 apartments for affordable rent.
Built in the early 1900s, the building was originally the headquarters for the Wirral Division of Cheshire Constabulary before being acquired by the local council in the 1970s.
The renovation of the building, which still had part of its old court rooms and cells, has seen the interior converted into one and two-bedroom apartments, while the imposing brick exterior has been carefully repaired, restored and retained to preserve an important piece of local heritage.
Delivered in partnership with Wirral Council, the project has created much needed social housing in an area where it is in short supply.
Gill Kelly, Managing Director at M&Y Maintenance and Construction, said: “This has been a fantastic project to work on and we are immensely proud with it how it looks.
“This was a complex job that we had to approach very sympathetically to ensure that we respected the local historical interest in the building.
“I believe the end product demonstrates how old buildings can repurposed to provide affordable new homes for our communities.”
Councillor George Davies, Wirral Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety said, “It is great to see this fantastic local landmark so thoughtfully and purposefully brought back into use, providing affordable social housing.
“Increasing the supply and provision of affordable homes is one of our key objectives, as set out in both the Wirral Plan and the Council’s Housing Strategy. I am delighted that we have been able to support this project in the way that we have and look forward to seeing the first new residents moving in.”