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Former hospital turned into apartment complex

Eleanor Lawson
BBC News, West Midlands
whg Four men in suits stand on the stone steps outside a building, smiling at the camera. A lilac ribbon is in front of them, with the third man on the left holding up a pair of scissors to cut it.whg
Nightingale House, which formerly housed the Royal Hospital, has been officially opened in Wolverhampton

A former hospital that has been transformed into an apartment complex as part of a affordable rent scheme has officially opened.

Nightingale House in Wolverhampton, which used to house the Royal Hospital, was opened by Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The historic site has stood empty since the hospital's closure in 1997, but the Grade II-listed building has now been turned into 38 one and two-bedroom apartments.

The flats are available as part of a housing scheme offering adorable rent for people over the age of 55.

whg A side-on angle shot of dozens of smartly-dressed people at the ceremony outside a large brick building with stone pillars.whg
Residents living at Nightingale House and partners involved in the transformation welcomed Pat McFadden for a ribbon-cutting ceremony

The renovation maintains features of the building's architectural heritage, including three stained glass windows installed in the chapel in 1967.

It also features modern eco-friendly amenities such as air source heat pumps for heating to reduce its carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency.

The site has been revitalised as part of a wider area transformation made possible through the collaborative efforts of housing association whg, City of Wolverhampton Council, Homes England, the West Midlands Combined Authority and developer Morro Partnerships.

whg Dozens of people stand smiling at the camera in front of a red brick building.whg
The apartments are part of an affordable rent scheme for over 55s

On the day of the opening, former hospital staff also gathered for a reunion event to share their memories of working life at the Royal Hospital.

In addition, a plaque sponsored by the Royal Hospital Nurses League, was unveiled.

Sir Stephen Moss, who has dedicated 57 years to the NHS, unveiled the plaque to celebrate the legacy and care of Wolverhampton NHS staff.

whg A close-up of a black plaque on a table with a crest of arms on it, saying 1849 - 1997. The plaque reads: 'Wolverhampton Royal Hospital in recognition of the remarkable legacy of care by dedicated Doctors, Nurses and Ancillary Staff." The top of the plaque says "Wolverhampton Civic & Historical Society" and the bottom says "Trustees of the Wolverhampton Nurses League."whg
The plaque honours the legacy of the former hospital and its staff

Gary Fulford, group chief executive at whg, said: "The former Royal Hospital building has stood empty since 1997, however, its historical significance as a place for people, and a place of care, has been preserved through our innovative wellbeing scheme."

City of Wolverhampton Council deputy leader and cabinet member for city housing, councillor Steve Evans, said: "[It] is an iconic building in Wolverhampton and has played a huge part in the lives of so many of our citizens.

"It is also in keeping with the wonderful transformation of the Royal Quarter as a whole over recent years where the council has worked tirelessly with partners to regenerate the area as a key gateway to the city centre, driving further investment and giving our residents and businesses opportunities to thrive."

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