War memorial hospital converted into 39 new homes

A community hospital opened in memory of World War One soldiers almost a century ago has been transformed into new homes.

Newton-in-Makerfield War Memorial Hospital was opened in 1925 and is registered with the Imperial War Museum.

The Torus housing association bought the hospital in Newton-le-Willows on Merseyside after it closed in 2015 before converting it into 39 new apartments - nine in the former hospital and another 30 in a new complex on the same site.

Torus's group chief executive Steve Coffey said: "Bringing this neglected, frequently vandalised site back into use will give people a fantastic place to call home and also improve the local area by returning the hospital to its former glory."

Torus said the converted building had maintained its foundation stones and "neo-classical front façade doorway entrance".

St Helens Council's Mayor Jeanette Banks, who attended the site opening, said: "Thanks to the care with which the building's history has been woven into the scheme and the modern homes it will provide, I'm sure it will regain its place as a valued asset in the neighbourhood."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to [email protected] and via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.