Last year we recieved planning permission to transform 23 nun’s bedrooms (cells) in the All Hallow’s Convent into a unique Bed and Breakfast. This is really exciting news for our charity and we can’t wait to develop the new social enterprise and be able to offer our companions more work experience opportunties.
The B&B, which will open to the public in 2024, will be a new social enterprise for us and comes as the result of companions requesting more tangible work experience in hospitality.
Along with providing more experience for companions, the B&B will increase our revenue allowing us to support even more vulnerable homeless people. When guests book a room at the B&B, the annual income from one room will pay for and provide a home in our community for one whole year!
The All Hallows Convent has a rich history and was used by the sisters of All Hallows from 1859 until 2018. Previously the convent had been used as a House of Mercy in the 1800’s to support ‘fallen women’, and in later years it was used as a refuge, hospital, a school, and nursery. In June last year, the site received grade II listed status by Historic England and we will sympathetically restore and breathe new life into this historic building, protecting, and prolonging its legacy.
Our CEO, Cecile Roberts says “We’re delighted to be beginning this exciting project, the benefits that this new social enterprise will bring to our charity and our residents will be transformative. We continually strive to give our companions more opportunities and experiences to help them out of homelessness and the B&B will do just that.
The nun’s bedrooms are smaller than the requirements for multiple-occupant housing for companions so we thought the space would be perfect for short-stay accommodation for those exploring the beautiful Norfolk and Suffolk countryside on nearby walking and cycling trails.
We have also obtained planning permission to completely restore the building, including a new roof, windows, chimney and required internal repairs, effectively preserving a heritage building for all to enjoy. The Sisters of All Hallows have been incredibly generous in allowing us to call this home. At the heart of the project is to ensure the All Hallows legacy lives on.”
Sister Shelia, of All Hallows Community says “It has been wonderful to see how Emmaus have used the community buildings. It is so good to sit and have a really good coffee in a space which was originally a dining room before becoming a library, or to go bargain hunting in the one-time playroom and subsequent chapel. Clergy house, junior school and retreat house…the place has touched many lives over the years, and we should like to wish Emmaus all the very best as this latest development moves forward.”
We need help to develop this new social enterprise! We’re looking for investment and donations to help us develop this new social enterprise. Learn more about the project here and donate and be part of the legacy here.