Heritage restoration work has started at an important historic site in Warwick.

Supported by National Lottery players, the project will see historic buildings at an 800-year-old former hospital site transformed into new affordable rent homes.

St Michael's Place, derelict for over 50 years, is of particular historic interest due to below ground remains of a 13th century leper hospital, designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The site has been on the Historic England Heritage at Risk Register since the first edition in 1998.

Deborah Williams, Historic England Midlands Regional Director, said: "We have been working closely with partners towards a solution for St Michael's Place Warwick for many years now and to see the hard work of the Trust, as well as other partners, coming to fruition is wonderful. These beautiful buildings will now have the chance to be cherished and used by future generations."

West Midlands Heritage and Warwick District Council are working in partnership to restore and convert the empty listed buildings. The collaboration between a Building Preservation Trust and Local Authority to rescue heritage buildings at risk for sustainable use as affordable rent housing extends a model that West Midlands Heritage has used in Worcestershire and tackles two important issues: creating a viable secure use for historic buildings, and providing more affordable rent homes.

St Michael's Place, derelict for over 50 years, is of particular historic interest due to below ground remains of a 13th century leper hospital, designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument (image supplied)

The project has reached a key milestone of appointing building contractors, Splitlath Ltd, a specialist building conservation company that has been trading since 1867, with their roots firmly in the West Midlands.

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Volunteers, local groups and schools will be able to take part in the project through events and training opportunities, allowing people opportunities to enjoy and play a part in Warwick's heritage. To find out more about the project visit the website here.

Liz Bates, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Heritage Lottery Fund, added: "Thanks to National Lottery players, these remarkable medieval buildings will be rescued from decades of dereliction. Their new lease of life will benefit Warwick and complement our other investments in the historic town such as the Lord Leycester Hospital."

Commenting on the award, Corinne Brazier, Chair of West Midlands Heritage said: "We are delighted to have reached this important point in the delivery stage of our project at St Michael's Place, Warwick, after much hard work from our dedicated team and incredible support from the local community.

"This has only been made possible thanks to funding from National Lottery players via The National Lottery Heritage Fund, adding to funding awarded by Warwick District Council, Historic England, The Architectural Heritage Fund, The Pilgrim Trust and Warwick Town Council. We are now able to ensure that St Michael's Place will return to providing homes, continuing a thread in time that stretches back for 800 years on this site!"

West Midlands Heritage has been able to progress the scheme through various stages since the start of the Trust's involvement in 2016 thanks to funding awards over that 10-year period from Warwick District Council (£1,213,000), The Architectural Heritage Fund (£390,304), Historic England (£440,000), The Pilgrim Trust (£15,000), Warwick Town Council (£5,000), and The National Lottery Heritage Fund (£2,964,199).

Warwick District Council's Portfolio Holder of Housing Cllr Jess Melrose further commented: "It is great news that work is finally starting to bring the Chapel and Master's House back into use. This has been a key Cabinet priority, preserving an important part of Warwick's heritage while securing its future. I am grateful to the dedication and commitment of the team involved especially those at West Midlands Heritage and the funders for this project."