A unique project to restore and convert a historic farmhouse in Droitwich Spa into social housing has reached a major milestone.
Those involved in the Willow Court Farmhouse restoration work climbed the scaffolding to take part in a ‘topping out ceremony’ to celebrate the reconstruction of the property’s historic star-shaped chimneys.
Visitors also took a tour of the 16th-century Grade II-listed building on the Westlands estate to see how it is being transformed into six one-bedroom affordable apartments.
It is tradition when working on major construction projects to celebrate when a building’s structure reaches its highest point. It is thought by some to bring good luck and also marks the completion of one significant phase of work and the start of another. In Willow Court’s case, completing the chimneys means the new roof is ready to go on and then some of the scaffolding can be removed, allowing the building to begin emerging from its protective covering for the first time in several years.
Work will then begin in earnest on the internal refurbishment of the property, with the renovated farmhouse expected to be ready to handover before the end of the year. Platform Housing Group will be responsible for letting and managing the properties according to Wychavon’s housing allocations policy.
The restoration is thanks to a unique link-up between Wychavon, which currently owns the building, Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust and Platform Housing Group.
About £4 million is being invested in the project, with the bulk coming from a £2.3 million grant from the National Heritage Fund and other support from Wychavon and the Architectural Heritage Fund.
Cllr Rick Deller, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Housing, Regulatory and Customer Services, said: “It is genuinely uplifting to see the progress being made to bring this exceptional building, so rich in character and history, back to life in a way that honours its past.
This ground-breaking and historic project is a fitting tribute to the power of partnership working and a shared commitment to positive change. With a severe shortage of one-bedroom accommodation across Wychavon and demand continuing to rise, this development will make a meaningful and lasting difference to people’s lives and the wider community.”
Ed Barron, Vice-Chair for the Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust, said: “It’s been great to celebrate the rebuilding of the chimneys. Having been involved since 2017, it’s been great to get to this ‘high’ point and restore one of the historic features that make this listed building so important. Our thanks go to Wychavon District Council and the National Lottery players for their support helping us invest in the area. We look forward to handing the new building over to Platform Housing later this year, giving it a new and sustainable future.”
Find out more information about WBPT and the Willow Court Farmhouse restoration project.
Pictured: Topping out! (left to right back) Jennifer Taylor, Wychavon’s Director of Communities and Housing, Ed Barron, Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust Vice-Chair, (middle left to right) Chris Colley, Community Engagement Officer for Platform Housing Group, Suzanne Wenczek, Project Organiser for Willow Court Farmhouse, (front left to right) Cllr Rick Deller, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Housing, Regulatory and Customer Services, and Kate Andrew, Trustee of Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust.