Mrs Jane Corrigan the Chairman of the Nicholas Chamberlaine’s Hospital & Sermon Charity welcomed everyone to the opening of the Chapel Street Cottages and was delighted to annouce that the Bedworth Almshouses had been exended for the first time in almost 200 years. A brick built public convenience bulding that was due for demolition in the centre of the town has been renovated and extended by the Charity that governs the Almshouses.
There are now two cottages in Chapel Street that will provide modern, warm and comfortable homes for local residents.
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council expected the structure to be demolished when it fell into disuse but the Charity was successful in its bid to buy the building and the surrounding land.
Matthew White, Clerk to the Charity said: “The Trustees saw an ideal opporunity to be able to offer homes to elderly people and are delighted with the result. We are especially pleased that the new homes have a walkway that links them to the existing Almshouse built in 1840.”
The official opening was conducted by the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth and Charity trustee Bill Hancox and the Mayoress. The Rector of Bedworth the Rev. Dave Poultney who is also a trustee blessed the building. Architect Jason Brooks of Vagdia and Holmes and Builder Darren Williams of JRoc Construction were also in attendance. Guests included members of the Bedworth Society and Chamberlaine Court Care Home who are neighbours , as well as Almshouse staff, residents and Trustees. There are plans to complete the landscaping around the site and to provide extensive planting that will soften the area and give a green and pleasant view.
One of the prospective residents said at the opening, “I absolutely love my new flat. It has a beautifullly fitted kitchen and shower room and is just a short walk away from all the facilities in the town. I am looking forward to being part of the Almshouse community. ”
