John Turner Construction recently completed the refurbishment of Wordsworth Terrace in Chorley, transforming it into a modern children’s residential home and NHS clinical facility. Now officially known as Monroe House, the facility was commissioned by Lancashire County Council to provide essential short-break accommodation for young people, known as the ‘Where Our Children Live’ initiative, alongside vital health services. The facility is now able to accommodate up to three young people and four staff members, ensuring a supportive and secure environment.

The refurbishment entailed extensive internal and external modifications to meet Ofsted registration requirements and ensure a safe, comfortable and homely environment for children and staff. Bedrooms were upgraded with durable furnishings, secure fixtures and en-suite facilities. Fire safety measures were enhanced with new alarms and call points to ensure full compliance. Communal areas were improved with high-quality flooring, lighting and furnishings to create a welcoming atmosphere. The kitchen and bathrooms were upgraded using robust materials designed to withstand high usage. Security was a key focus, with the installation of CCTV and secure entry systems to maintain safeguarding standards. The external areas were also landscaped to provide a low-maintenance, secure outdoor space.

The project required careful planning to align with stringent Ofsted and NHS guidelines while maintaining a warm, homely setting. High-spec, tamper-resistant materials were carefully selected to balance safety and aesthetics. Smart space planning was implemented to ensure functional layouts that provided sufficient privacy and accessibility. A phased work schedule was adopted to minimise disruption and ensure timely completion.

Monroe House now stands as a fully compliant, safe and welcoming facility that supports the well-being of vulnerable children while integrating essential health services. The successful delivery of this project underscores our commitment to quality construction in the healthcare and social care sectors.

Client: Lancashire County Council