In partnership with Gloucester City Homes, Aqua Construction was asked to source a building that was capable of conversion into a dwelling to support homeless young people at risk of rough sleeping and staff. With help from the team at Ash Chartered Surveyors, Aqua secured the vacant, virtually derelict Hewmar House, just off London Road, in Gloucester.
A former office building, Gloucester City Council assisted with determining the change of use planning application to repurpose Hewmar House in to an 8-bedroom supported housing development for young people.
Working closely with Quattro Architects and Gloucester Building Control on the technical detail of the works, the redevelopment has created homes and opportunities for young, homeless people.
Hewmar House will accommodate eight young people aged 18-25, providing them with a nurturing environment to help them transition from crisis to stability. The service will focus on empowering these young people to gain independence by offering tailored support plans that address their unique needs.
Following investment from Homes England, and in partnership with Gloucester City Council, Gloucester City Homes secured £1.34 million funding from the Single Homeless Accommodation Programme (SHAP).
The Build:
The conversion from a virtually derelict property, unoccupied for over 5 years, presented a sorry state with water ingress through the roof, internal rooting and damage to the structures, settlement and the absence of damp courses contributed to extensive wet and dry rot throughout. Much of the property and land was covered in ivy.
Aqua Construction started on site in late March 2024 with site clearance and a stripping of the interior of the building and removal of the roof structure and covering.
Works that followed involved underpinning the external walls plus structural repairs, new roof structure and a slated roof, new external wall insulation and render.
The extensive internal fit out involved double glazed windows, new gas central heating, rewiring with fire protection solar panels, metal stud drylining plasterwork, and decoration throughout. The redesign included a communal kitchen and lounge area, with staff office and accommodation to the ground floor and on the first floor 8 ensuite bedrooms.
Externally the car park was partially resurfaced, the outside area levelled, patio and lawns created, and the boundary brick walls repaired around the garden with a repurposed secure cycle shed. The building was completed on schedule and budget in November 2024 and handed over to the Housing Association in December.
Jason Wasley, managing director at Aqua Construction said: “The build was challenging; however, we are pleased with the outcome and are proud to have been involved with this important Gloucester housing project in partnership with GCH.”
Natalie Thelwell, director of Housing Operations at GCH said: “We are very excited about our new supported housing scheme for young people in Gloucester, which is a first for GCH. Our dedicated specialist support workers will provide one to one support, offering a lifeline to vulnerable young people at risk of homelessness. We will be welcoming in our first customers soon to provide not only accommodation but also essential life skills, mental health support, and pathways to education, training, and employment.”