A new Therapy and Wellbeing Centre based in the lush natural surroundings of Sudley Estate in South Liverpool, has recently opened its doors after an unbelievable transformation to its building.
The Changing Rooms features four treatment rooms and three for talking therapies, located in a ‘calm and restorative space’. The building overhaul is part of a long-term health and wellbeing project from Growing Sudley Community Interest Company.
The community business operates a thriving Therapeutic Garden, to which all profits from the new Therapy Rooms will be distributed.
The capital refurbishment of a derelict sports changing rooms facility has been community-led and aimed at creating a low carbon eco building. The building runs on air source heat pump technology and was clad with zero carbon natural building material hempcrete, as part of a volunteer training project in 2023. With solar panels and a living biodiverse roof being installed soon, this is a ‘green and healthy building for now and the future’.
A growing community of therapists are already using the building and the response has been enthusiastic. Therapists and clients alike are enjoying the relaxed and regenerative atmosphere, the beautiful greenspace location and the social and environmental aims of the wider project. Rooms are reasonably priced, and available to book in morning and afternoon blocks.
The space currently offers treatments including yoga therapy, thai massage, holistic bodywork, ayurvedic therapies and talking therapies from a range of integrative counsellors and clinical psychologists. Visitors can enjoy a stroll around the beautiful greenspace before or after their appointment, or find out how to get involved in the Therapeutic Garden project. Mind body practices such as yoga and tai chi take place in the garden, as well as many other nature-based activities and workshops for all ages.
People interested in receiving treatments or therapies can view what’s on offer and see how to book at www.growingsudley.com
Background:
Growing Sudley CIC are a not-for-profit community business working since 2017 to revive the old walled garden at South Liverpool’s Sudley Estate. The garden is a hidden gem within the historic site that includes public parkland and National Museums Liverpool Sudley House. The project grew out of a question asked by the Friends of Sudley Estate, ‘how can we bring the walled garden back into use for the local community?’. Using Social and Therapeutic Horticulture, Forest School, Mind Body Practices, Nature Art and Community Herbalism, and many years of community consultation, feedback and participatory design, the space was developed as a Therapeutic Garden for health, wellbeing and fun through the healing power of nature.
The re-development of the derelict Liverpool City Council changing rooms building took place between 2020 and 2025 with funding from Power To Change, Tudor Trust, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Clothworkers Foundation, Key Fund, Kindred Liverpool and Liverpool City Region Environment Fund. The project encountered numerous challenges that have characterised the last 5yrs: political issues, pandemic, price rises, materials shortages, contractor shortages, and the organisation are proud to have completed the project successfully.