WORK on a £60 million scheme to create affordable properties for older people in an iconic Salisbury building is soon to be completed.

Construction work to redevelop the Grade II-listed 19th century Finch House is the final phase of development at the former Old Manor Hospital site.
It is being redeveloped by Bournemouth-based developers, Affordable Housing and Healthcare Group (AHH), to provide ‘affordable independent-living properties for over-55s’.
In line with planning and listed building applications approved by Wiltshire Council, work started in 2021 for Finch House to be restored to its original grandeur while being converted into 21 bespoke apartments.
Once finished, the developer says homeowners will benefit from private communal gardens featuring a replacement of the property’s original glasshouse, as well as access to a bistro, activity rooms and other communal facilities shared by the wider Chapters community, operated by Platinum Skies, part of the AHH company.

While the work is carried out, a listed fountain and sculpture from the front of Finch House is being cared for by specialist restorers, ready to be returned to the driveway once the building and landscaping is complete.
Oliver Hunter, CEO of construction at AHH, said: “Bringing Finch House back to life has been a real labour of love for our construction team.
“They have enjoyed seeing it being restored to its former glory, as a much-treasured landmark in Salisbury, which deserves to be lived in and loved for many years to come.
“The homeowners who purchase these apartments are in for a real treat and will be able to own a piece of Salisbury’s history, while having the benefit of being part of our wider over-55s community.”
The construction team is currently working on rendering and painting the external walls of Finch House before the scaffolding is removed.
Inside the building, electrical installation is gradually being rolled out across apartments, before kitchens are fitted and tiling is completed in bathrooms.
Finch House was purchased by William Finch in 1779 before eventually being taken over by his son, Dr William Finch, who also acquired Fisherton House.
The site was later known as The Old Manor, which provided care for mental health patients until the hospital closed in 2003, when Finch House and the neighbouring buildings fell into disrepair.

For more information about the Chapters community development, log on to Platinumskies.co.uk or call 01202 040996.