Former Northamptonshire prison hospital to be turned into 'executive-style' accommodation for businesses

A former prison hospital in Northamptonshire will be turned into accommodation for businesses.

The Depot off Harmans Way in Weedon Bec, which is a Grade II listed building, used to be army stores and barracks and is currently under development to be turned into a business space.

The Depot served the Army through both World Wars, but closed in 1954 after it was converted into accommodation for people working in the stores in 1911.

Several years ago, it was acquired by property entrepreneur Michael Chittenden who has since spent more than £1 million renovating the buildings – many of which had fallen into disrepair – and converting them into character offices, workshops and stores.

In the latest stage of the refurbishment, the site’s prison hospital, which was built in 1844 to serve the adjoining military prison, will be turned into ‘executive-style’ accommodation for tenant businesses and visitors.

Owner, Mr Chittenden said: “Bringing the old prison hospital back to life is something of a labour of love and part of our vision to sensitively restore the site while also making it an inspiring, modern business centre for local companies as well as a range of other compatible uses which will enhance the local economy and infrastructure.

“We have over 90 tenants here now and many of them occasionally need to stay close by some nights, or have staff or clients visiting from other parts of the country.

“The move towards flexible working by so many of our tenants has added to the demand, as staff do need to spend some time in their workplaces.”

Paul Vick architect for the Depot renovation project added: “For over 150 years, The Depot was a bustling hive of activity with people living as well as working here.

“The five self-contained accommodation units we plan to create at The Old Storeholder’s Quarters reflects that part of The Depot’s past.

“The approach we’ve taken is to restore the buildings one by one and make them fit for use for centuries to come.

“Buildings that were once only useful for storage and distribution are now being converted into high quality, flexible business units, the next being an 18,000 sq ft co-working office space.”

The site already contains a visitor centre, a café and shops and future plans include a care home and independent living accommodation, apartments and a hotel.

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