£8m transformation of historic Leeds school underway

Work is now underway on an £8m new homes scheme in Upper Wortley that will see a former school that has stood empty for almost 10 years transformed into a village development featuring 49 high quality family houses.

Leeds-based developers Rushbond Group and Advent Developments are tasked with converting the existing grade II listed Upper Wortley School building into 13, two and three bedroom, loft houses and build 36 new family homes in the school’s grounds.

Triton Construction has been appointed as the main contractor to carry out all building work at the development, which is named Greenhill Fold in recognition of its local position between the Green Hill and Top Fold areas of Upper Wortley.

The first homes are expected to be completed next spring.

Tim Reeve, speaking on behalf of the developers, said: “We are delighted to start work regenerating this site and transforming a much loved local landmark into a superb selection of high quality family homes.

“We consulted closely with the local community prior to the planning application and have received a huge amount of support from the people of Wortley, who are really keen to see this building transformed back into an integral part of the community.

“The whole development is designed to be sympathetic to the original listed building while maximising its original features, which will create a fantastic range of ‘loft’ style houses that are full of character and personality. The new-build aspect of the scheme will complement and contrast with this perfectly offering a wide selection of contemporary homes that are all finished to an exceptional standard.”

Councillor David Blackburn commented: “There is a huge contingent of former pupils who still live within the community and I share their delight that the school will be saved and given a new, sustainable life creating a significant development and regenerating this pocket of the ward.”

Advent transformed Lower Wortley Primary School into apartments and mews houses in 2008. Last year both Advent and Rushbond completed a similar 38 home scheme in York that included the conversion of a former Victorian school with new homes built in the grounds creating a unique new part of the community in York.