Regenerating a run-down site in Gloucester

Two Rivers Housing is building 22 affordable and energy-efficient one and two-bedroom homes at the former site of the old Gloucester British School in Wellington Street.

The school opened in 1841 but the site has been derelict and unsightly for many years after the majority of the school buildings were demolished back in the 1960s. As part of the City Council’s bid to enhance the area, encourage investment and regeneration, the new homes will make a more positive contribution to the street scene as well as help to address the demand for affordable properties.

The site is within the Eastgate and St Michael’s Conservation Area and Two Rivers Housing has worked very closely with the Local Planning Authority and Conservation Officer to make sure the development does not impact upon any listed buildings or heritage assets and complies with all legal acts, guidelines and specifications. Furthermore, it has been reported as “˜an enhancement to the significance of the conservation area as it will positively respond to special interest and local detailing’.

The new development is being built using materials that respect those already established in the area. The design will be sympathetic to the surrounding Victorian terraces using both traditional and modern materials. The old flagstone and memorial stones that were present at the site have been carefully removed by Gloucester City Council and are now in their safe-keeping. The three plaques will be incorporated into the new building in positions agreed with the Conservation/Planning Officer.

Stephen Ingram, Development Manager for Two Rivers Housing, commented: “We were delighted to have the go-ahead for this development. It will help to provide much-needed affordable housing in the area and is ideally situated for people who want to be close to the town centre. It is also making good use of a plot of land that has been empty for a long time and will visually up-lift the whole area”.

The homes should be ready to welcome their new residents in March 2018.