A Support Committee has been set up to guide the final stages of the John’s College development. Respond! would like to acknowledge the expert advice and guidance received from the committee members especially in the area of developing essential services for John’s College.
WATERFORD’S St John’s College is in the process of being transformed into a landmark facility for the care of older people.
Designed by architect John Goldie, St John’s College opened in 1871.
After over 100 years of use as a theological college, the building was vacated in the nineties.
Respond! purchased the derelict building from the Diocese of Waterford & Lismore in 2007 with a plan to deliver high quality homes and support services to cater for older people.
Their ambitious plan included 21 new apartments in the College, with a 10-bed group home and 36 new-build one-bed apartments overlooking the Folly as well as a Day Centre which will cater for the wider Waterford community.
Now, that dream is quickly becoming a reality.
Construction work began in March 2014 and the project is expected to be completed ahead of schedule by the end of this year.
At the height of the construction process, 160 people were working on the project on a daily basis.
There was significant damage on the upper floors of the landmark Gothic Revivalist style building due to water ingress with outbreaks of dry rot and deterioration throughout due to a lack of heating.
Last week, The Munster Express had a sneak preview of the transformation of St John’s College through a special guided tour.
On entering the college grounds, it’s clear that significant care and attention has gone into restoring the building’s imposing exterior to its former glory.
And on entering the building itself, it’s immediately obvious that this attention to detail has been continued throughout.
A conservation officer has been involved in the construction process every step of the way, ensuring that the historical aspects associated with St John’s College are preserved.
The building’s former library is being transformed into a multi-purpose Activation Room that will cater for Respond! tenants, Day Centre users and people from the wider community.
The old dining room will become a purpose built Day Centre which will cater for older people and people with specific needs and requirements.
It’s envisaged that the Day Centre will become a lively social hub for older people in this area of the city and will offer varied activities.
“From our feedback, we established that there was a need for such a facility in this area,” said Philip O’Reilly, National Co-ordinator of Services for Older People with Respond!
It’s hoped that the centre will become a focal point within the community and that local schools can get involved with activities such as intergenerational programmes.
Located off this room is an impressive conservatory which has been fitted with specialised glass which will ensure it’s not too hot in summer and not too cold in winter.
The Chapel and Gallery in the College remained largely intact, possessing some of the finest stain glass windows in Ireland.
However, much effort has gone into improving this stained glass and the result is certainly very impressive.
The space is being developed into a state of the art community education centre/ conference centre which will cater for groups of up to 150 people.
“Respond! courses will be hosted in this centre, but our aim is to also involve other groups and to encourage them to use this facility as well,” explained Philip O’Reilly.
He said a need for such conference facilities in Waterford had been identified.
The Cloister Court is being developed into a sensory garden, with lots of research taking place into its development to ensure that users can congregate in a relaxed and friendly environment.
In total, there are 21 apartments within the college building which are designed in the same style and offer plenty of space and natural light.
A look inside a front facing finished apartment highlights the beautiful view over Waterford City which exists, with the majestic Comeragh Mountains in the distance.
The building is fully wheelchair accessible and fitted with a wheelchair lift.
The apartments which are located alongside the college overlooking The Folly also offer plenty of space and natural light and are fitted with a new state of the art heating system.
The total project costs will come to €12 million and €8 million of this will be made available in state mortgages to Respond! from Waterford Council through the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.
The remaining €4 million will be provided by Respond! of which €2.25 million will come in a private borrowing initiative from AIB Bank.
The ‘Respond to John’s College’ plan has been launched to help assist with fundraising for the remainder.
For more information, visit www.respond.ie.