Plans will see Finch House 'restored to original grandeur'

The Grade-II listed 19th century listed building is part of the former Old Manor Hospital site purchased by Bournemouth-based developers, Affordable Housing and Healthcare Group (AHH).

Some work was being carried out on the site on Wilton Road last week. 

In line with planning permission approved by Wiltshire Council, Finch House is being restored to the "original grandeur" of the property, which formed part of the former Old Manor Hospital site.

Finch House is being converted into 21 retirement apartments which will benefit from private communal gardens, featuring a replacement of the property’s original greenhouse.

The developers say homeowners will also have access to "designated parking, bistro, activity rooms and communal lounges shared by the wider Chapters community, which is operated by Platinum Skies on behalf of AHH".

An artist's impression of the front entrance to Finch House

Oliver Hunter, CEO of Construction at AHH, said: “We are excited to be working at speed on Finch House, which is the final piece of the puzzle in our Chapters retirement village. Chapters provides luxury and affordable homes for people aged 55 and over, with healthcare facilities, transport links and the city centre within close reach".

He added: “We are working hard to retain as much of the original building as is safe to do so and once the restoration work is completed, people will be able to live in one of Salisbury’s landmarks in the gateway to the cathedral city. We look forward to returning Finch House to the people of Salisbury to be enjoyed for many years to come.”

The construction team have taken down the weather-damaged roof and second floor of the building, ahead of its replacement, and are currently using structural supports to preserve the remaining exterior of the property.

The historic water feature sculpture from the front of Finch House has also been taken away to be "looked after by specialist restorers", before being returned to the driveway once building work is completed.

Finch House

In March, work then starts to build the property back up again from the ground upwards, beginning with the installation of new concrete flooring, as well as external preparation work on the property’s courtyard.

All work is being carried out under the guidance of structural engineers specialising in conservation, who have listed the sections of the building which can be retained and what must be replaced for the safety of the property’s future residents.

The listed building was purchased by William Finch in 1779. Finch House was eventually taken over by his son, Dr William Finch, a qualified doctor, who also acquired Fisherton House, later known as The Old Manor, which went on to provide care for mental health patients until the hospital closed in 2003.

For more information on the available properties at Finch House or on Chapters, go to Platinumskies.co.uk.

Get more Salisbury news.

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.