September 26, 2018 1.03 pm This story is over 67 months old

Former 150-year-old school converted into homes

Nine new social housing units
Councillor John Money and builder and director of Sankate Homes Neil Lowdon reviewing plans for the conversion of the former Quarrington School, Sleaford. Photo: NKDC

A 150-year-old former school in Sleaford will be turned into nine homes for social housing after a £1 million investment by North Kesteven District Council.

Work has started in partnership with Sankate Homes on the conversion of the old Quarrington School, which was originally built in 1867, with the council’s investment supported by £400,000 from Homes England’s Affordable Housing Programme.

There will be nine social homes suited to younger people and small-family units at the Grade 2-listed building.

Three modern living spaces will be created where an upstairs bedroom effectively hangs within the apex of the high roof of the old school hall.

The school closed in 2002 and has been vacant ever since, subject to vandalism and decay.

Under a 2007 approval, nine homes have already been built in the former playground, but the main building remained untouched.

In 2012 the plan was amended to allow for three flat conversions within the main school hall, two more in an annex and a sixth in the old headmaster’s office.

This plan is now being fulfilled, with a further three new-build homes to be constructed in the grounds.

Across the development there will be five two-bed homes, two with three bedrooms and two one-bed flats.