A former convent in Waterford city centre is undergoing development into a brand new housing scheme.

Work is nearing completion on the St Joseph's House Housing Development.

Located on a landmark site on Manor Hill, St Joseph's House contains 71 dwellings. The former convent consists of 50 units located (a mix of one- and two-bedroom dwellings) within the main building, while 21 units are located in the various out-building clusters on the site. The former chapel on the site has been repurposed as a community space for multiple uses by tenants.

Waterford City and County Council is seeking expressions of interest for those interested in living in this development.

Paul Johnston, Senior Engineer, Waterford City and County Council said: "This development is unique. While the dwellings themselves are bright, spacious and contemporary, the setting of Manor Hill is steeped in history and woven into Waterford's fabric.

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"All of the dwellings are modern, bright and energy efficient, are fully furnished and offer superb views of the city scape from the elevated site on Manor Hill. We have worked closely with Age Friendly Ireland to ensure the development will provide an exceptional and inclusive experience, compatible with age friendly principles.

"The proximity to the city centre, amenities and bus routes makes them ideal for older residents. The Council is interested in hearing from those who are 55 years and over and are approved for a transfer on rightsizing grounds."

The units are contained within a number of buildings in the St Joseph's development, the Convent Building, the Courtyard Building, the Presbytery and School Building. The Convent Building is serviced by two lifts and most units within the development are single storey.

Since 2016, Waterford Council has been actively seeking to reduce the level of vacant homes across Waterford City and County. The Council's Vacant Homes Team works to encourage vacant property owners to allow their properties to be used for social housing through the Repair and Leasing Scheme and the Buy and Renew Scheme. The Repair and Lease Scheme has been particularly successful in delivering one-bed and two-bed units in urban areas where there is a proportionately larger demand for this type of accommodation.

St Joseph's House is being delivered under Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland, a Repair and Lease Scheme promoted by Waterford City and County Council, and funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.