For many years since it closed in 1999, the site of the old Barnes Hospital in Cheadle became an eye sore in desperate need of a use, and I recently took a tour around the ongoing works at the 17 acre site, which are transforming it from a dilapidated old building into a vibrant new community.

Developer Henley Homes took on the site, and in 2017 work was completed on the first phase of what will eventually be 155 homes, a number of which are already occupied. The old hospital itself will be home to 38 new apartments, which I was shown by Construction Director Aaron Usmani, and Site Manager Soloman Mehari. The other 117 properties at the site are a mix of two, three and four bed family homes, which will surround the old hospital and complete the new village feel.

It was brilliant to see the progress being made at Barnes Village and it’s a great example of what can be done when development and conservation go hand in hand. A wonderful Grade 2 listed building is being given new life, and a brownfield site is being put to great use by providing new homes for 155 families. I can’t wait to see the finished article.