Work to restore historic farmhouse will provide vital affordable housing

More vital affordable housing is to be provided for the Droitwich area thanks to a unique project to restore an old farmhouse.

Willow Court Farmhouse, near to the Westlands estate, is a 16th century Grade II listed building that is being transformed into affordable apartments that will be managed by Platform Housing Group.

The project was started when Wychavon District Council approached the Worcestershire Preservation Trustin 2017 to look at what could be done with the site. Funding was granted from the council and crucially the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to restore the building to provide accommodation that serves those most in need, giving them somewhere to call home in the area.

As part of the project, Messenger BCR, the constructors, will offer apprenticeships to local people enabling them to learn vital construction skills.

Representatives of all groups involved in the scheme were recently shown around the old building to gather an idea of the careful work required to turn the farmhouse into new housing.

Steve Eaves, Director of Regeneration at Platform Housing Group said: “There are so many partners that are key to this project and we are very grateful to all of them for their commitment and perseverance to getting us to this stage.  The new building will be energy efficient, have air source heat pumps and will really stand the test of time.  It has a fantastic story to tell and now has a great future providing affordable homes.”

Cllr George Duffy, Chairman of Wychavon District Council said: “ At Wychavon, we understand the value of heritage and in particular how much a part of this area’s history Willow Court Farmhouse has been for hundreds of years.  We are incredibly grateful that people share our vision and passion for this building which means so much to people here.  By breathing new life into this historic building, we’re not just providing new affordable homes, we’re weaving the past into the fabric of this community.”

Ed Barron, Acting Chair for the Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust said: “It’s been great to celebrate the start of work on this project. Having been involved since 2017 it’s been great to get to this point.  Our thanks go to Wychavon District Council and the National Lottery players for their support helping us invest into the area.  We look forward to handing the new building over to Platform next year, giving it a new and sustainable future.”

It is hoped the apartment will be completed by the end of next year.

For further information please visit www.wmhbt.org.uk.

Photo caption: L to r, Ed Barron, Acting Chair, Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust, Ian Bird, Messenger BCR, Elizabeth Froude, CEO, Platform Housing Group, Cllr George Duffy, Chairman, Wychavon District Council and David Trevis-Smith, Project Director, Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust.