Priory Hospital, Wells

Work started on site in 2003 to repair and convert the former 1836-7 Union Workhouse from a redundant residential hospital to new offices for the Mendip Primary Care Trust and other associated NHS accommodation. 

A full historical and archaeological assessment was undertaken before work started on site.  Many aspects of daily life in the Workhouse were uncovered and recorded during the construction phase and subsequently retained.

A good proportion of the building had been unoccupied since 1956 and many areas were found in an advanced state of decay. The project took four years of team work to provide a regeneration scheme with a useful purpose. 

Work on site required a balance between  conservation of the principal rooms and staircases and the adaptation of ancillary rooms to provide new staircase and office facilities.