South Liverpool’s new wellbeing hub blends nature, history and holistic therapies at Sudley Estate

A once-forgotten building on the grounds of one of South Liverpool’s most historic estates has been given a brand-new lease of life — and it’s all in the name of wellness, community and reconnecting with nature.

The Changing Rooms, nestled beside the walled garden at Sudley House, has officially reopened as a dedicated centre for therapies and wellbeing, after years of being left to fall into disrepair.

Originally part of the estate’s animal husbandry block, the building later served as changing rooms for local football teams playing on Sudley Fields. But by the early 2000s, it had been abandoned and left empty.

That’s when Growing Sudley CIC, a community-run not-for-profit, stepped in. Known for bringing Sudley’s stunning walled garden back to life since 2017, the team successfully secured funding to take on a major eco retrofit of the building — and they’ve transformed it into something truly special.

Work on the project spanned four years, and the result is a modern, low-carbon wellbeing hub powered by air source heat pumps and wrapped in Hempcrete, a natural, zero-carbon building material applied with the help of volunteers through a Heritage Lottery Fund scheme.

Inside, you’ll find seven therapy rooms already being used by a growing community of skilled practitioners — offering everything from Thai massage, yoga therapy and aromatherapy, to Ayurvedic consultations, physiotherapy and a wide range of talking therapies.

Local massage therapist Kathleen, who has been practising in the area for three decades, says:
“It’s a beautifully run space that supports both my clients and myself. It’s calm, nurturing and easily my favourite place to work from.”

Lucy Dossor, co-founder of Growing Sudley CIC, helped lead two crowdfunding campaigns to get the project across the finish line. She said:
“It’s taken real perseverance to complete this – through a pandemic, rising costs and supply delays – but with incredible community support, we got there.”

“Now that it’s open, we’d love for as many people as possible to come and explore what’s on offer. This space is part of a much bigger mission to care for local green spaces and give people tools to look after their wellbeing.”

Any income from The Changing Rooms is reinvested into the work of Growing Sudley CIC, including running the Therapeutic Garden next door. This peaceful space offers everything from Forest School clubs and toddler sessions, to activities tailored for people with additional needs and disabilities.

To explore the therapies on offer at The Changing Rooms or book your first visit, head to their website.

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