The last remaining Chelsea Pensioners living in temporary accommodation are moving back into the renovated ‘Long Wards’ of the Royal Hospital’s west wing, bringing to end eight years of renovation.

It is hoped the new accommodation will encourage more women to apply to live at the historic home, which currently houses only nine female Chelsea Pensioners.

The completion of work at the Royal Hospital Chelsea means that it is the first time since it opened in 1692 that all of the Pensioners will have their own bedroom, study space and en suite shower room facilities.

The ‘Long Wards’ were originally designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the 17th century and have only been updated twice in over 300 years. The original rooms (known as ‘berths’) were 6x6 ft-sq cubicles, which were adapted to 9x9 ft in the 1990s, with no direct light, ventilation and with access only to communal bathrooms.

Following extensive consultation with the English Heritage and the council, permission was given improve the living spaces within a Grade I-listed building, and after nearly a decade of work in three phases, they are finally complete.

The hospital said it has been a complex task to blend 300 years of heritage and modern standards of living together. It opted to sacrifice one of the original corridors but restore the other to Wren’s original proportions, creating a 21st century accommodation nestled behind the original oak panelling.

The Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea General Sir Redmond Watt said: “The accommodation we now provide is truly excellent and up to 21st century standards. I must thank our dedicated in-house team, English Heritage and also all of the architects and contractors who have worked on this project. They have preserved the historic buildings left to us by Sir Christopher Wren and have created in them a truly fitting home for our nation’s veterans.”

One Pensioner eager to move into her new home is Gillian McDonald, who has been living in the temporary accommodation for 18 months. She said: “The new berths look stunning. I am looking forward to moving all of my belongings in.

“We have enjoyed living in the portacabins but it will be marvellous to have my own shower, study and to finally settle down.”

The Pensioners started moving into the Long Wards last week. They had previously been staying in accommodation known as Tin City within the hospital site.