A Worcester resident has been praised by the Mayor for his innovative conversion of the Old Infirmary building on Silver Street in to six luxury studio apartments.
The building, which dates to circa 1676, was bought in 1745 and opened as Worcester Infirmary on 11 January 1746, becoming only the seventh charitable hospital outside of London.
It was bought by local property developer Khalid Hussain of KMH Developments, who saw the building's huge potential and immediately began renovating the front area, converting it into commercial premises on the ground floor (now 'Swirly Joes' Restaurant) and student accommodation on the first and second floors.
He has now transformed the rear of the building, converting it into six luxury serviced studio apartments.
"Mr. Hussain has demonstrated how, with commitment and imagination, a dilapidated building can be converted in to much-sought after, attractive residential space in the heart of the city," said the Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Allah Ditta, who officially opened the studios on Thursday.
Each studio has been fitted out with plush velvet sofas and contemporary soft furnishings, and will be available to let in the near future.
"I've made every effort to retain and restore many of the Infirmary's original features such as its iron range, vaulted ceilings, wooden beams and brickwork," added Mr. Hussain.