Historic almshouses built in Oxford more than 300 years ago have been ‘topped out’ as part of a £1m refurbishment and extension project.

The Grade II listed Stones Court Almshouses, in St Clement’s Street, were originally built in 1700 as a hospital for the poor and sick.

For decades, they were attached to University College and provided housing for retired academics, but were transferred to the City of Oxford Charity 50 years ago.

It has funded the bulk of the refurbishment programme. Trustees chairman Robin Birch, who laid the last slate, said: “It was getting rather dilapidated and some of the accommodation was not of the standard we would want to offer today.

“We have extended the wings, so,what were bedsits are now one-bedroom flats, improved the internal layout and upgraded almost all the external stonework.”

The charity had been planning the project for several years and work started in February.

Residents have been housed in the ancillary 1960s buildings during the revamp.

The trustees hope the project will be finished by March 2009.

Mr Birch said: “Oxford Preservation Trust, which has given us a grant towards the work, regard it as significant in terms of the improvement of the St Clement’s area.”

The Garfield Weston Foundation has also donated £50,000.

Osney-based Montgomery Architects has been involved in designing the refurbishment to be sympathetic to the conservation area and the original stonework.

Mr Birch described the almshouses, which provide housing for the needy, and particularly elderly, as a “vital” service.

He said: “The city is vastly bigger than it was when this was conceived and there are lots of residential services provided by other organisations and institutions now, but this is a historic element of provision in Oxford — and we never have any shortage of people coming to live here.”

People who wish to live in the almshouses can apply to do so when vacancies occur, if a former tenant moves on.

They are chosen by a committee set up by the charity on the basis of need.

Eva Wallden, 68, has been living in the Parsons building for four years after she moved to the city from the Isle of Man and was effectively homeless and living on the basic state pension, currently £68 a week.

She said: “I think what they are doing is absolutely wonderful and it will be stunning when it is finished.

“For me it has been a lifesaver.”