Nuns plan to turn convent into key worker flats

The nuns would live in a neighbouring property and convert the five-storey building

Nuns in south London want to turn part of their convent into flats for key workers like nurses and teachers.

Sisters of the Holy Family Convent have submitted plans to Lambeth Council to change a Grade-II listed terrace in Stockwell into five apartments.

The religious community has experienced a slump in numbers over the years, resulting in the building becoming empty.

The sisters would remain living in a property next door to the proposed apartment building on Albert Square.

The square’s Grade-II listed terraces were built between 1846 and 1849. They are set around a picturesque garden and are just a 10-minute walk from Stockwell Tube station.

According to documents submitted to the council, the conversion is expected to cost up to £2m.

Work proposed to be carried out includes the fitting of sprinklers and an evacuation lift, the replacement of roofs and the installation of solar panels.

In 2021, a five-bedroom detached house on Albert Square sold for £3.25m and a one-bedroom flat for £425,000.