Mountjoy has been awarded a £3m contract by Thorner’s Homes to carry out a complete refurbishment of Thorner’s Court Almshouse on Henstead Road in central Southampton.
Thorner’s Homes was founded in 1690 and has offered almshouse accommodation in Southampton since 1793. As a registered charity they provide affordable housing for independent living, to single women aged 55 and over, who are in financial need.
The works at Thorner’s Court will comprise the complete refurbishment and remodelling of the 39 current flats and formation of 4 new flats. All 43 units will benefit from a modern open-plan layout with new kitchens and bathrooms. We will also be constructing a new external lift shaft and installing a second passenger lift as well as refurbishing and redecorating communal areas. The building will remain part-occupied by both residents and staff throughout, so minimising disturbance and maintaining excellent standards of health and safety will be key to the success of the project. The works will take approximately a year to complete.
The project was procured for Thorners Homes by KSP Consultancy Ltd who are being retained to provide project management and quantity surveying services. Other consultants acting on behalf of the charity are: Architects - Studio Four, Building Services Engineers - TNG and Structural Engineers - White Structures.
Duncan O’Rourke, Building Projects Director at Mountjoy, commented “We are delighted to be working with Thorner’s Homes to provide improved living facilities for both current and future residents. The client is a well-respected charity in the area and the refurbishment will reflect their high standards in housing provision for many years to come.”
Vicky Joynes, Chief Executive at Thorner’s Homes, commented ”The refurbishment of Thorner’s Court has been long awaited and it is intended to bring the accommodation up to the same high standard as that offered at Robert Thorner Court, which was redeveloped over four years from 2010. The ladies who reside with us at Thorner’s Court are as excited as the staff and trustees, with the first group of ladies looking to be relocated into their new homes by the summer. By the end of the refurbishment, we expect to welcome over twenty new residents to the Charity and to this means, will be working closely with Southampton City Council’s Housing Team."