Russell House, Chatham

Location: Chatham

Client: MHS Homes Ltd

Value: £3.3million

The development requires a careful mix of refurbishment and new build construction skills to transform the former care home, which has stood derelict and disused for 4 years, into a fit-for-purpose 30 unit young person’s Foyer Federation facility. The existing 3-storey building will be extended to provide two additional studio flats whilst internally the existing building will be fully renovated. The scheme aims to provide essential shelter and support for young people who find themselves homeless whilst working to improve their social skills, health and education, ultimately improving their chances of employment when they leave, inspiring and empowering them to thrive and achieve their potential. Communal facilities will comprise a vibrant central hub, an activities room and a cinema as well as ancillary facilities to include an office, welcoming reception area and sufficient storage space. External works include landscaping and relocation of an existing footpath.

Working closely with appointed architectural practice RDA and engineers Wilson & Partners and Considine throughout pre-construction stages, the team have worked to overcome design challenges posed by the existing layout and services and to carefully blend the extension with the character of the existing building. A logistically challenging site situated on a large estate with a Public Right of Way running through the site, the project must carefully manage the intricacies of refurbishing an existing redundant facility whilst nurturing neighbouring and public relations.   

Following early demolition works of some disused garages the main contract will commence on site in May 2022 with anticipated completion targeting July 2024.