A Victorian manor house in Rochdale has been restored and converted into accommodation for armed forces veterans as part of a council-led project to bring the heritage site back into community use.
The Grade II-listed Denehurst House, situated in Denehurst Park, has been remodelled to include five apartments specifically designed for ex-service personnel, alongside a ground floor community cafe and a changing places toilet.
Rochdale Borough Council delivered the project with local contractors H Bell and Sons, while the charity Groundwork will soon begin seeking expressions of interest from local businesses to operate the new cafe.
The building’s original features, including decorative plasterwork and large bay windows, have been carefully restored during the renovation.
Council leader Councillor Neil Emmott praised the transformation: “These types of projects, providing high quality, affordable homes for veterans, bringing our history back to life and creating local jobs, are exactly the kind of things we are proud to support.”
Built in the 1890s for Alderman Robert Turner, founder of Turner Brothers Asbestos, Denehurst House was originally set in wooded grounds with landscaped gardens and a fountain. The estate was gifted to the town in 1932 and later used for council offices, but had stood empty for years before plans for its revival were developed.
Councillor Danny Meredith, cabinet member for housing and regeneration, called it a “unique project”.
“Not only have we restored a heritage asset which has stood proud for more than a century, we are creating much needed homes for our veterans, to whom we owe such a debt,” he said.
The council is now preparing to launch a public consultation, which is required by the Charity Commission before veterans can move in. The community café is also expected to open in the coming months once a suitable operator has been appointed.
Councillor Janet Emsley, Mayor of Rochdale and the borough’s lead member for armed forces, described the new homes as “fit for heroes”.
“I can’t think of a better use for this stunning historic property,” she said. “Alongside our guaranteed interview scheme for ex-forces personnel and our regular veterans’ breakfasts, these homes will strengthen our package of support for those who’ve served their country. Lest we forget.”
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