Heritage restoration begins at historic Warwick site
Former hospital buildings to be transformed into affordable homes
Work has begun on a major heritage restoration project at St Michael's Place in Warwick.
The scheme, funded by National Lottery players and other partners, will see historic buildings at the 800-year-old former hospital site restored and converted into affordable rent homes.
St Michael's Place has stood derelict for more than 50 years and has been on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register since it was first published in 1998.
The site is also home to the below-ground remains of a 13th Century leper hospital, which is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
West Midlands Heritage and Warwick District Council are working together to bring the listed buildings back into use, combining heritage conservation with the creation of much-needed affordable housing.
The project has now reached a significant milestone with the appointment of specialist conservation contractor Splitlath Ltd, a West Midlands company with roots dating back to 1867.
As part of the restoration, volunteers, schools and local community groups will have opportunities to get involved through events, education programmes and training activities.
Corinne Brazier, Chair of West Midlands Heritage said: “We are delighted to have reached this important point in the delivery stage of our project at St Michael’s Place, Warwick, after much hard work.
"This has only been made possible thanks to funding and we are now able to ensure that St Michael’s Place will return to providing homes, continuing a thread in time that stretches back for 800 years on this site.”
The scheme has been supported by funding from Warwick District Council, Historic England, The Architectural Heritage Fund, The Pilgrim Trust, Warwick Town Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.