Member Article

Architect appointed to oversee Leeds school development

A Headingley based architecture practice has been awarded a new 12 month contract to oversee the next stage of building works at the former Leeds Girls’ High School site.

The site, which is located off Victoria Road in Headingley, is being redeveloped into 101 apartments and townhouses by Stonebridge Homes. Brewster Bye Architects designed and secured planning permission for the £20million impressive Victoria Gardens scheme in 2015 and has been delivering Phase 1 of the scheme throughout the year.

In the next phase of the development Brewster Bye has now been appointed by the main contractor Henry Boot to oversee the architectural delivery of the prestigious redevelopment of the original school building, which is situated at the heart of the site in the sensitive, conservation zone location.

Project lead John Holliday from Brewster Bye said: “This second construction stage, which is now on-site, will see the careful restoration and redevelopment of the historic main school building into 36 luxury apartments.

“The school has many period features that are gradually being uncovered, including some beautiful brickwork arches, original windows and exposed beams, that once restored, will all combine to create a wonderful selection of stunningly unique and individual homes.

“Our role is to ensure that the majority of these features are incorporated into the architectural designs, as well as overseeing the architectural delivery of the project as a whole. The build is located just a short walk from our offices, so we are able to monitor how the development is progressing on a daily basis.

“Since the school closed the site has been used as the backdrop to the ITV drama Monroe staring James Nesbit, which was very exciting, and I am confident that the scheme will play a starring role in the streetscape of this well-known Leeds suburb once work completes.”

The refurbishment of the school building is set to complete in autumn 2017 and the whole development will be completed by 2018.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Mortimer .