New development offers a poetic transformation of workhouse site

IF you’ve passed Henley’s York Road/Clarence Road area recently, you can’t have failed to spot the huge hoardings announcing a new development at Henley’s grade
II-listed former workhouse, writes Lucy Boon.

Work is expected to start on the build — called Laureate Gardens — this month.

David Tate, in charge of land and new homes at Davis Tate, which will be selling the properties, says: “The construction of the adjacent new Townlands Memorial Hospital was conditional on the retention of the listed buildings on the site.

“Most had fallen into disuse, but an imaginative scheme has been drawn up offering 26 new dwellings within the existing buildings, plus a new block of eight flats echoing the design of the hospital itself.”

Purchasers of these new homes, which include cottages, studio-style homes and large apartments, must be over 55 years of age.

Davis Tate confirms that an opening exhibition will take place after Easter, when the full brochures and sales details are expected to be available.

The agency is recommending buyers who are interested to reserve “off plan” to secure a house.

Davis Tate has a site model, approved plans and full details at their offices in Bell Street.