Nuns propose turning convent into flats for key workers – South London News

By Robert Firth, Local Democracy Reporter

Nuns in south London plan to turn part of their convent into flats for key workers, including nurses and teachers.

The Sisters of the Convent of the Holy Family submitted plans to Lambeth Council to convert a Grade II listed terrace in Stockwell into five apartments set over separate floors.

The number of the monastery has decreased in recent years, resulting in the building becoming empty, and the nuns want to make better use of the space. The sisters would live in a property next to the proposed building in Albert Square, which would be separate from the new flats.

According to documents presented to the council, the conversion is expected to cost up to £2 million. As part of the renovation, the property would have sprinklers and an evacuation lift installed, rear roofs replaced and solar panels installed. Each of the five apartments would contain a kitchen and a private bathroom.

Albert Square is one of the most elegant streets in Stockwell. Large Victorian terraces on the market regularly sell for millions. In 2021, a five-bedroom detached house in Albert Square sold for £3.25 million. In the same year, a one-bedroom flat on the market was bought for £425,000.

The Grade II listed Market Terraces were built between 1846 and 1849. They are set around picturesque gardens and just 10 minutes’ walk from Stockwell tube station.

Pictured above: Part of the Convent of the Holy Family in Albert Square, Stockwell could be turned into flats (Image: Google Street View)

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