LMH develops UK's first eco-hostel

Published by Jean Clarke for Liverpool Mutual Homes in Housing and also in Communities, Environment

Work has begun to redevelop a former 19^th century convent in Liverpool into the UK’s first eco-friendly homeless hostel.

Liverpool Mutual Homes’ (LMH) plans will see Belvidere Road Family Centre transformed into a modern and sustainable centre for families needing temporary emergency respite.

Bardsley Construction is carrying out the work on the £3.5 million project which is expected to be completed early next year.

Improvements will include a new side wing and a rear extension of four apartments along with the upgrading of the existing residential family centre to provide 16 self contained flats.

The remodelled facility will be flexible with sliding walls accommodating very large families of up to 12 people by combining smaller units or alternatively shrunk for individuals or couples. 

The building comprises of two former semi-detached houses built in the 1870s which were converted into a convent before being transformed into a respite centre some 20 years ago.

The original façade is being reinstated to its former glory to ensure the designs compliment the Princes Park conservation area.

Energy efficient products are at the heart of the scheme with photovoltaic solar cells fixed to the roof to supply electricity, and flat-plate solar collectors and heat pumps converting hot air into energy and providing hot water.

A large glazed panel will also be part of the extension, allowing natural light into the building with cool air converted into heating to be distributed around the communal areas.

External walls will be internally lined with dynamic slim line insulation, offering greater insulation standards without significantly increasing wall thickness.  Energy efficient windows and doors will be installed to complement the green focus.

Chief Executive at LMH, Steve Coffey, said: “It is a very exciting project and will really transform the building aesthetically but more importantly, provide a vital service for those most in need in the city.

“We are using some of the latest energy efficient technologies which will create a modern, sustainable and inspiring temporary accommodation facility, while remaining in-keeping with the Princes Park conservation area.

“The green agenda is a key priority for us. 

“This scheme – like the rest of our £380 million regeneration programme across the city – is sustainable not only in terms of energy costs and its low carbon footprint, but in its flexible design and construction methods enabling it to cater for a wide range of people, providing them with outstanding support for many years to come.”

The revamp will also feature family lounges, a library, offices, laundry, nursery / crèche facilities, meeting and training rooms, a staff sleeping room, and areas for storing large possessions which cannot be accommodated in the living units.

All apartments will have dining / living areas with open plan kitchens, while shower rooms will be designed as modern ‘wet’ rooms.

The plans are fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act and all rooms, floors and functions will be accessible by wheelchairs.

LMH’s commitment to address the green agenda has been recognised by the Homes and Communities Agency awarding it the coveted Reducing Carbon award.

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Photographs: Artist’s impressions show how Belvidere Road Family Centre will look.