The thesis design is a response to poor outcomes for care leavers in Liverpool. Statistics show a quarter of them will go on to become homeless. The proposal is The Welsh Centre which adaptively reuses the Welsh Presbyterian Church in the L8 area of the city. It has sat dilapidated and abandoned for the last 40 years.

Liverpool has a high number of at-risk buildings and the adaptive reuse of the church seems fitting in serving the needs of an increasingly at-risk group of women. Historic analysis shows it has pushed for women’s social reform since its inception in the late nineteenth century.

The programme combines training, education and mentoring for 163 young female care leavers currently in the city. An Embassy Village case study and interview considerably informed the programme. It provides intensive 1:1 support and training, with accommodation, for interviewed homeless men in Manchester. The charity works with local businesses who all guarantee interviews – the outcome is a permanent home and a job.

The proposal adopts this model, with the addition of a co-working hub for local women in the community wishing to access training and grow their businesses. This provides many cross links and takes advantage of shared facilities such as a cafe, creche, conference, teaching, training rooms and event space. Combining the two initiatives ensures on-going community support and participation which is vital to the programme’s success.

The Church is Grade I listed but the rear School House is not. This resulted in a subtle pod intervention, which stands free of the building envelope. It has a wrap-around gallery to maximise views out and across.

The School House has been remodelled considerably as most of the internal structure had been reduced to rubble. It provides accommodation for up to 8 young women, including a mother and child. Communal spaces and a private garden provide welcoming spaces for those who live there.

The link building, sandwiched between, joins the two. This houses the main circulation area, reception, kitchen and cafe – its large glazed elements and viewing gallery (offering views to the magnificent rose window) ensure the space is filled with natural light. It offers generous views out to the landscaped gardens.

It is hoped the Welsh Centre will not only help to prevent homelessness but will contribute to a thriving, enterprising and independent group of young women in the community.

Thesis Tutors

Mr Peter Farrall

Thesis VP

Neil Swanson 

Thesis Critcs

Neil Swanson
Mary Shepperson,
Hamid Amouzad Khalili

Special Mentions

I am greatly appreciative of all the feedback I have received over the course of the semester. A special thanks to Lucretia Ray for her valued insights and thoughtfulness.