Cumbria County Council commissioned Architects Plus to prepare a feasibility study for converting part of the existing redundant, utilitarian building into a children’s home and to develop proposals to include complimentary facilities for the rest of the site. Working with the county’s Children’s Services team and meeting both staff and children at other homes, a scheme was subsequently developed to provide additional semi-independent flats for young adults and support accommodation for staff and families to meet in a safe, nurturing environment.

The project was completed in April 2021 and key to the success of the project has been the careful reconfiguration of the internal spaces and external landscaping to provide light, homely and inviting spaces. It was important to make the building feel like a home, providing the levels of comfort, reassurance and safety that any home should offer.  In addition to the home for four children, the development also includes contemporary transition flats that provide homes for three young people who are ready to make the next steps towards fully independent living.  The additional support facilities also provide staff with a series of calm internal and external spaces in which to work and reach out to families to help provide them with the assistance and support they need.