South London nuns to turn convent into flats for nurses and teachers amid dwindling numbers
South London nuns are set to turn part of their convent into flats for key workers like nurses and teachers.
Sisters of the Holy Family Convent have submitted plans to Lambeth Council to change a Grade-II listed terrace in Stockwell into five apartments set across separate floors.
The religious community has experienced a slump in numbers over the years, resulting in the building becoming empty, and the nuns want to make better use of the space.
The sisters would remain living in a property next door to the proposed apartment building on Albert Square.
According to documents submitted to the council, the conversion is expected to cost up to £2million.
As part of the refurbishment, sprinklers and an evacuation lift would be fitted in the property. The apartment building would be separated from the neighbouring property, where the nuns would remain living.
Maintenance work would also also be carried out on the building under the plans. The rear roofs would be replaced and solar panels would be installed.
Each of the five flats would contain a kitchen and en-suite bathroom.
Albert Square is one of Stockwell’s poshest streets. The large Victorian terraces in the square regularly sell for millions.
In 2021, a five bedroom detached house on Albert Square sold for £3.25million. In the same year, a one-bedroom flat in the square was snapped up for £425,000.
The square’s Grade-II listed terraces were built between 1846 and 1849.
They are set around a picturesque gardens and just a 10-minute walk from Stockwell Tube station.
