A residential treatment centre for psychiatric patients in the West End is ready to take on its first tenants, the Bermuda Hospitals Board announced.

The former St James Rectory by Somerset Bridge, now Bridge House, has been approved to take in residents after the derelict building was remodelled by the charity Habitat for Humanity of Bermuda in tandem with the Anglican Church and the BHB.

Work was completed on the purpose-designed space in June, but the facility had to undergo a safety assessment before being cleared for its new life as a home.

A BHB spokeswoman said Bridge House received its occupancy certificate on Wednesday, and would start taking on residents “after the holidays”.

The Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute is to use the two-storey listed building to provide treatment for psychiatric patients moving out of MWI.

The facility remains under the ownership of the Anglican Church, and will be operated around the clock by BHB staff.

It can accommodate up to eight residents.

The seal of approval “certifies that all fire safety protocols are in place and all planning department guidelines have been met”, the BHB said.

The spokeswoman added: “[The] BHB has not had any objections from the neighbours or the Bermuda Police Service regarding Bridge House. In fact, they have been very helpful.

“The Anglican Church, our partners in the project and the building owners, held a forum last year where we answered questions from neighbours.

“The police were also in attendance. That meeting was very helpful in alleviating any concerns.”

Sheelagh Cooper, an activist who chairs the board of Habitat for Humanity, said the charity was “thrilled about the possibility that patients may be in there by the new year”.

She added: “Sadly, the home was substantially complete a couple of months ago but, as is often the case with listed buildings, planning approvals can be very protracted — so this is great news.”

Habitat specialises in renovating homes for people in need, and supports efforts for members of the unsheltered population to get a roof over their heads.

Ms Cooper told The Royal Gazette that during the wait to secure approval for Bridge House, the charity managed to complete two more housing projects — one in Paget and another in Devonshire — with a third to be ready next week in Warwick.

She added: “Very shortly, we may have some good news to share about our new ReStore location.”

Habitat’s shop on Front Street, which raised funds for its projects by selling new or gently used items, including home furnishings and art, closed in October.