Newcastle's Keelmen's Hospital has secured nearly £5million in funding for its restoration, marking a turning point for what has been described as the city's most endangered heritage site.
The 18th century building on City Road has stood empty since 2009, deteriorating above the Quayside for more than a decade and a half.
Historic England recently granted an additional £416,815 to the Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust, bringing the heritage body's total contribution to £519,036.
This latest award follows £4.6million allocated towards the restoration earlier this year in January.
The funding will enable the former almshouse to be removed from the Heritage at Risk Register.
Construction firm Brims is set to commence work on the site this week.
The structure dates back to 1701 and was originally constructed as an almshouse to care for workers and their families.
Keelmen were labourers who undertook the gruelling task of ferrying coal along the River Tyne in wooden vessels, delivering it to larger ships anchored downstream that could not navigate the shallower waters.
The hospital was used as an accommodation circa 1980
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These workers funded the hospital's construction themselves through collective contributions, each crew member donating a penny from their wages per tide.
This remarkable effort raised £2,000 to establish a facility providing accommodation, food and medical treatment for those who had grown old or fallen ill in the trade.
The building has been described as having been created "by Newcastle people, for Newcastle people" and has held listed status since 1954.
Tom Frater, regional director for Historic England, said he was delighted the charity's funding and advice would help preserve the building
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The Newcastle hospital has fallen into disrepair
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Mr Frater told the Chronicle: "The history of Keelmen's Hospital has been about providing homes for families in Newcastle and this project is a great example of how heritage buildings can be adapted to help meet today's housing challenge.
"These projects require collaborative partnerships and the bright outlook for Keelmen's Hospital is testament to the skill of the Tyne + Wear Building Preservation Trust and the vision of Newcastle City Council, as well as vital funding from Historic England, the Heritage Fund and others."
The Trust anticipates completing the restoration works by 2027, with new residents expected to move into the converted properties shortly afterwards.
The Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust has joined forces with Newcastle City Council to rescue the former almshouse, with both organisations hoping the project will secure the hospital's place in Tyneside's future for generations to come.
Martin Hulse, CEO of the TWBPT, said that the restoration of the Keelmen's Hospital was one of the most significant challenges the trust had faced.
The partnership also aims to help more people discover the building's remarkable history.
Occupying a prominent position overlooking the Quayside, the structure has deteriorated significantly during its years of vacancy.
The restoration project represents a collaborative effort involving multiple funding bodies, including the Heritage Fund alongside Historic England and local authority support.
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