Monday 23 June 2026 marks three months to the day since we started work on the refurbishment of The Liversage Trust Almshouses on London Road in Derby.
The heritage refurbishment project, valued at just under £3 million, will see the sensitive restoration and reconfiguration of the Grade II listed Almshouses, which date back to 1836 and remain an important historic landmark within the city.
The 18-month project involves the full internal and external refurbishment of the buildings, the conversion of former Trust offices into new homes, extensive renewal of building services and specialist conservation repairs using traditional materials and techniques wherever possible. Once complete, the scheme will reduce the number of dwellings from 23 to 17, creating larger, more suitable homes that better meet modern living requirements while preserving the historic character of the Almshouses for future generations.
The project is being delivered in three phases, with Phase 1 focusing on Blocks A and C and scheduled for completion in September 2026.
Progress on Phase 1 – Block A and Block C
Block C
Block C comprises the conversion of the former estate offices and laundry into two new homes, alongside the refurbishment of the existing dwelling within the block.
The internal strip out has been completed and the footprint of all three homes has now been formed. First fix electrical works are complete and the project is moving onto plastering.
Installation of the first phase of the Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems has also been completed within Block C.
Extensive roof repairs have also been undertaken. All necessary structural repairs and replacements have been completed and the flat roofs have been renewed. Two chimney stacks required significant repairs; one has now been completed, while the second will be carefully dismantled and rebuilt before the original roof slates are reinstated.
Heritage Conservation Works
The first stone replacement work has also been completed on Block C.
An original kneeler stone, a shaped masonry block positioned at the base of a gable, had deteriorated over time and required replacement. A new stone was carved by hand and fitted in its place.
Block A
Is the first six Almshouses that front London Road. The properties have been fully stripped out and are now empty shells. Existing gas and electrical supplies have been safely disconnected and removed.
Structural alterations are now underway, with the six existing homes being reconfigured into three larger dwellings. Internal walls have been removed and staircase works are progressing, with three staircases being removed and three retained and enclosed as part of the new layouts.
Looking Ahead
In addition to the progress made on Phase 1, strip out works have also commenced on Block B, which forms Phase 2 of the project.
Three months into the programme, it is encouraging to see the transformation beginning to take shape. While much of the work completed so far has been behind the scenes, these early structural and conservation works are laying the foundations for the careful restoration of one of Derby’s most significant historic residential buildings.
If you have a heritage or refurbishment project that you would like to discuss, please contact Martyn on 07971 899646 or email [email protected].
