St Bridget’s, Thornycroft Rd
St Bridget’s, Thornycroft Rd
Redevelopment of a Large Victorian Former School Building
Our team took on the challenge of reviving a large Victorian former school building that had been left vacant for over 10 years. The building had suffered from poor extension works and generally unsympathetic additions and maintenance over its long life. It was in dire need of a complete overhaul.
The Vision
After conducting a thorough assessment of the building, we quickly realized the potential of this historical structure. Our vision was to transform it into a modern residential complex while maintaining its historical charm and retaining the lovely, key features from the original structure.
With this in mind, we meticulously planned every step of the renovation, ensuring that the building’s unique character was preserved. The challenge was to strike a perfect balance between modern amenities and timeless design, creating a living space that feels both contemporary and rooted in history.
The Process
We secured permission to convert the original school building into six mews houses containing 25 bedrooms. We also replaced an old, outdoor toilet block with two four-bedroom houses, both built in a contemporary style, with lots of zinc to the outside, to complement the curtilage-listed Grade II school house.
The process involved a lot of planning, communication, and cooperation with the local authorities to ensure that the development adhered to the strict building codes and regulations. The project took a little over a year to complete. The redevelopment involved the total dismantling of a large section of the main building that was beyond repair, then rebuilding to the exact previous architectural specifications.
The Result
The end result was a beautiful, modern, and sustainable residential complex that preserves the historical significance of the original building, with original features restored and retained in their original place, including the engraved sandstone ‘boys’ and ‘girls’ entrance signs. The mews houses boast all the modern amenities that one would expect in a luxury home, while the contemporary-styled houses blend seamlessly with the surroundings.
The total spend for the project was approximately £1.8 million, a testament to our commitment to providing quality work within a budget. The development has since become a landmark in the community, attracting residents who appreciate the historical significance of the building and the modern amenities that come with it.
Conclusion
Redeveloping a large Victorian former school building was a challenging but rewarding experience. Our team worked tirelessly to transform a dilapidated structure into a modern residential complex that preserves the historical charm of the original building. We are proud of the end result and the positive impact it has had on the community.
Our team takes pride in having been a part of the revitalization of this beautiful property, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our history and heritage for future generations.
Our efforts have not only restored the building’s grandeur but also breathed new life into the neighborhood, contributing to both its aesthetic appeal and its cultural significance.
Project Gallery
