We are delighted to announce that our dream for a much needed refurbishment at Broadway Lodge has become a reality! We are now over half way through a five-month refurbishment project due for completion in early September. The contractors have been busy ripping out old spaces and creating new single occupancy bedrooms and we are proud to publish photos to show off some of the completed rooms so far (see below).
The Refurbishment Plans & Progress
Bedrooms & Washrooms:
Ever since Broadway Lodge opened almost 50 years ago, the majority of bedrooms have been shared. Although there is therapeutic value in having peer support 24/7, we also understand why some clients would prefer to have their own private space. Working with the current configuration of the building we are able to create:
- 13 single occupancy bedrooms (eight with en-suite WC and shower)
- Two twin bedrooms with en-suite shower and WC
- Two new shared bathrooms (each with shower over bath and WC)
Not only will each bedroom feature new flooring, fitted furniture, blackout curtains and lighting but all beds are now double rather than single, covered with soft white bedding and new plump pillows to aid a cosy and restful sleep. We have also chosen a headboard that has an integrated reading light and an additional illumination light running the width of the headboard which creates a very warm, soft and homely glow when the curtains are drawn.
The previous medical department on the first floor of the main house was the first area to be refurbished, converting offices and a detox room with three single occupancy bedrooms, each offering stunning views spanning from the Bristol Channel in the west to the countryside and Mendip Hills in the distance to the right. This area also comprises a shared disabled access wet room and WC, separate WC and comfy seating corner for relaxing. Photos of these rooms can be viewed below.
Room 22 (single occupancy) which used to be a detox room
Room 21 (single occupancy), created from a room previously used as a medical team office
Room 23 (single occupancy), previously the medication storage room
Hallway to the three new bedrooms, wet room and WC
Accessible wet room & WC
We have four existing bedrooms (three triple shared rooms and a twin room) that are not being refurbished which means we will be able to accommodate up to 28 clients in the main house.
It’s important that we can cater for wheelchair users and clients with limited mobility. Our lift provides access to four shared bedrooms and six single occupancy bedrooms (as well as a wet room/WC) on the first floor. We also have an accessible shared bedroom and wet room with WC on the ground floor.
New private bedroom (Room 16), with shower & WC en-suite
Bay window in Room 16 (view from the bed)
Room 16 (private with en-suite)
En-suite in Room 16
Shiny new shared bathroom created from a disused storage room
New single occupancy bedroom (Room 17) with private WC
Ground Floor:
In addition to the refurbishment of bedrooms and washroom facilities on the first floor, there are exciting changes planned for the client areas on the ground floor too and the works here are due to begin in August.
We no longer have an official reception, so the redundant reception desk in the entrance hall will be removed and the grand space will become a welcoming and relaxing lounge area with comfortable seating to think, read, reflect and chat. An existing stationary room within this space will be repurposed as a storage area.
Current entrance hall, due for refurbishment August 2021
We anticipate that the most notable change on this floor will be to the client lounge and dining hall. Currently, they are separate adjoining rooms (pictured below), and we plan to knock through to create a very spacious, open and bright multi-functional room for socialising, dining and working on assignments. The room will be flooded with natural light – as you can see below, each of the rooms benefit from huge windows that optimise the view from our elevated, hillside location. This room will be carefully designed to allow for both a social area and for quiet and private chats, featuring a variety of bespoke seating solutions and a permanent bistro-style serving area for mealtimes.
Current client lounge, due for refurbishment August 2021
Current dining room, due for refurbishment August 2021
In addition to these client areas, the current ‘quiet room’ for assignment work will become a client support hot desking office where counsellors and members of the medical team will be based when they aren’t working elsewhere at Broadway Lodge. This centrally located room within a busy area of the house is ideally situated for when clients need to speak to a member of staff.
Current quiet room, due for refurbishment August 2021
Although we are unable to refurbish the entire house, the essential, well-used client living areas are being renovated which feels like a long time coming and we are really proud that the quality of the building and aesthetics is going to match the excellent medical and therapeutic care that is delivered here. The Gordon Beard Unit (our separate 5-bedroom unit, where clients initially quarantine and those who are detoxing stay), will be unaffected by the works in the main house.
We can’t wait to show you the completed rooms as the project progresses. We feel truly blessed not only to watch clients transform but also the building! We plan to regularly publish updates with images in the blog section of the website and on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, so please follow us on these platforms if you want to see the latest refurbishment progress!
Minimising Disruption
Throughout the project client numbers are reduced slightly to a maximum of 21 clients at one time to ensure that we can continue to accommodate everyone.
If you are due to stay with us in the coming weeks please be reassured that the works are being carefully phased into small stages in order to maintain a calm and peaceful home and keep disruption and noise to a minimum. We are lucky enough to have a vast, 4-storey house and because we are able to utilise a number of rooms for the everyday schedule, you will be able to continue to receive the full programme. There may be some noise during weekdays from time to time but again, we can utilise different rooms for sessions accordingly.
The contractors who are carrying out the refurbishment works are highly experienced in working sensitively within occupied health facilities and have undertaken extensive projects in residential buildings. Most recently, they have undertaken projects at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth and we are confident in their ability to work professionally in this occupied environment. They already feel part of the permanent staff team here!
Since the project began in early April, we have received no client complaints or concerns about the works and we continue to be open with them throughout the project, communicating any updates and changes. Clients are encouraged to speak with staff about anything they feel uncomfortable with or concerned about and we endeavour to resolve any issues if and as they arise.
Client Safety
To help control the risk of coronavirus being brought into the building, all contractors regularly working at Broadway Lodge are required to complete the same coronavirus testing as our staff which means they test themselves using a rapid test kit twice a week and complete a PCR test once a week for testing at the laboratory. Should any contractors need to enter Broadway Lodge ad-hoc, they will be required to take a rapid test, outside of the building, at least 30 minutes before entering the building and the result must be negative to do so. They will also be required to take all the same measures as our staff including regular hand sanitising and wearing a mask whilst working in occupied spaces if a safe distance of at least 1 meter cannot be achieved.
Please speak to us if you have any questions
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the refurbishment plans with us, please don’t hesitate to contact the team by calling us on 01934 815515, emailing hello@broadwaylodge.org.uk or by sending us a message here.
