Conversion of Wolverhampton’s former hospital shortlisted for national awards

Nightingale House, the jewel in the crown of Wolverhampton’s Royal Quarter, has been recognised with two award nominations.

Delivered by leading placeshaper whg in partnership with Morro Partnerships, the transformation of the city’s former Royal Hospital into much needed affordable homes has been named a finalist in the Inside Housing Development Awards for Best Supported Housing Development and Best Regeneration Project.

Nightingale House has transformed the long-derelict, Grade II–listed hospital into 48 high-quality apartments owned and managed by whg. The homes and breathtaking communal facilities are available for affordable rent exclusively for people aged 55 and over. Forming part of the wider 450-home Royal Quarter regeneration, the scheme carefully blends heritage conservation with cutting-edge sustainability, while creating a vibrant and supportive community for older residents.

Importantly, the conversion preserves the hospital’s historic character while introducing sustainable technologies such as a centralised air-source heat pump system, EV charging and biodiverse landscaping.

The success of the scheme is the result of close collaboration, with Homes England and City of Wolverhampton Council playing pivotal roles alongside whg and Morro Partnerships in bringing the project to life.

Rebecca Bennett Casserly, Corporate Director of Development at whg, said: “We are incredibly proud to see Nightingale House recognised on a national stage. This project is about creating homes that people can thrive in, tackling social isolation and breathing new life into a much-loved city landmark. To be shortlisted in two categories is a testament to the vision, partnership working and commitment of everyone involved.”

Tom Broadway, Managing Director for the West Midlands at Morro Partnerships, added: “Being shortlisted for two national awards is a real honour, and it reflects the ambition behind Nightingale House. This project demonstrates how sensitive heritage can be married with modern living, setting a new benchmark for sustainable regeneration in Wolverhampton and showing that older buildings can be revitalised to serve communities in meaningful, long-lasting ways.”

The winners of the Inside Housing Development Awards will be announced at a ceremony later this year.