NHS to Repurpose Somerset Headquarters as Temporary Accommodation
The conversion of County Hall's C Block in Taunton, Somerset, into 71 flats for NHS and public sector staff is underway following its sale by Somerset Council in April 2025 for £1.7 million to Prime PLC, a developer specializing in health and care properties[1][2].
The timeline for the sale began in March 2024 when Somerset Council confirmed plans to sell C Block as part of asset reviews. The building was sold in April 2025, and plans were submitted to convert it into flats in July 2025.
The vacant former council office building will be converted into 71 flats, primarily for healthcare professionals and other public sector staff. The development will resemble the Moxom project on Park Street, where former commercial space was turned into 69 flats. Renovation includes a slight extension to the building to add new stairs and lifts to improve access. The flats' location offers easy walking access to Taunton town centre and nearby parking.
The flats will be managed by Hyve, a not-for-profit provider of key worker housing. Hyve will give first refusal to local NHS staff for these flats. They are working closely with the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, which manages Musgrove Park Hospital, to address local housing needs for healthcare workers[1].
Secure basement cycle storage will be built to encourage sustainable transport, and a purpose-built bin store will be created for effective waste management. If NHS staff do not occupy the flats, they may be offered to other public sector and healthcare workers, such as police officers, teachers, firefighters, social workers, and childcare workers.
Lightweight partition walls will be introduced to subdivide the floorplates, and the building, known as 'C Block', is located near Vivary Park and is less than one mile from Musgrove Park Hospital. The project at 'C Block' of County Hall will be managed by Hyve, an organization owned by Prime Plc.
No further details on the exact timeline for completion or the detailed interior renovation plans were disclosed, but the project reflects an important step in supporting NHS staff housing needs in Somerset by repurposing a public asset into affordable accommodation[1][2][3].
In other news, Kirklees Council has launched the next phase of its White Rose Forest strategic plan. A free festival of creativity is being held in York this weekend.
[1] https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/county-hall-taunton-71-flats-3789831 [2] https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/county-hall-taunton-71-flats-3801619 [3] https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/county-hall-taunton-71-flats-3801619
The conversion project at County Hall's C Block is not only about constructing flats; it also includes implementing sustainable transport solutions like secure cycle storage and waste management improvements. This health and care property development, managed by Hyve, aims to provide affordable housing for healthcare workers and other public sector staff, similar to the Moxom project.
The project's location near Vivary Park and Musgrove Park Hospital offers convenience for the residents, with easy access to the town center and nearby parking spaces. Furthermore, the housing market in Somerset continues to evolve with private sector involvement, as demonstrated by the sale of C Block to Prime PLC.
The repurposing of public assets like County Hall not only benefits healthcare workers but also contributes to the local real estate scene, reflecting a significant step in financing and investing in the housing-and-wellness sector. In addition to this, improvements in fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and workplace-wellness can potentially enhance the overall well-being of these key workers.
Meanwhile, Kirklees Council has initiated the next stage of its White Rose Forest strategic plan, while a free festival of creativity takes place in York this weekend. These events highlight a diverse range of initiatives addressing various aspects of science, finance, and culture.
