Cherry Orchard House

Cherry Orchard House, Tamworth

Cherry Orchard, near Tamworth Town Centre, underwent a significant transformation from a derelict 19th-century vicarage into a modern mental health facility. The project, overseen by the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, aimed to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing space for adult community mental health services, aligning with primary care networks. The existing two story building, which had been left unused for years, was modernized and refurbished internally to create office accommodation on the first floor. The ground floor was redesigned to include group and counselling rooms. A single-story extension was added to house additional counselling and treatment rooms, designed to blend seamlessly with the original structure. Key design features include the use of matching brickwork and stone sills, along with a glazing band below the eaves, which imparts the visual effect of a floating roof. The original timber sash windows have been meticulously replaced to maintain the building's historical integrity.

Challenges included ensuring the extension was in keeping with the existing building's scale and minimizing impact on the local area. The project also required the reconfiguration of the original car park to include disabled and electric vehicle parking spaces. Accessibility was apriority, with entrances and toilet facilities made wheelchair compliant. The extension maintained the existing building’s historical integrity while incorporating modern elements. This included powder-coated aluminium windows, a fully glazed link corridor and stone detailing to tie in with the existing building. The mature trees and landscaped areas around the building were preserved to minimize the visual impact on the surrounding area. Feedback from stakeholders, including the Associate Director of Capital at Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, was highly positive. The project successfully revitalized a derelict building, creating a modern facility that supports mental health services and enhances the local community. In conclusion, the Cherry Orchard project demonstrates a successful blend of historic preservation and modern functionality, creating a valuable resource for community mental health services. The project stands as a testament to sensitive and effective architectural restoration.

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