[4] The workhouse became known as 'The Grubber', and in 1894 an investigation by the British Medical Journal reported on several issues with the conditions of working life within the Stockport Union Workhouse and infirmary, detailing overcrowding, disease, poor living conditions and ineffective management.

Later in 1999, the ward was converted and became the Stockport Centre for Arts and Health and operated as a workshop space and exhibition.

British paranormal investigation show Most Haunted recorded an episode exploring the hospital building in 2007.

The restoration was planned by architectural firm Austin-Smith:Lord and was part of a £100 million development of the adjoining Stockport College campus,[12] who had acquired the hospital after it had closed in 2004.

In 2022, the project (known as St Thomas' Gardens) was provided a formal notice allowing construction work to begin.