A Building Preservation Trust charity has been awarded £2,825,000 in funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the St Michael's Place project in Warwick.

Made possible by National Lottery players, the project aims to save historic buildings at an 800-year-old hospital site and transform them into new affordable rent homes.

The funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will help West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust, which is part of the West Midlands Heritage Trust group, implement plans to repair and refurbish the Master's House and St Michael's Chapel in Saltisford, Warwick, both Grade II* listed historic buildings that date from the 15th century.

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

"We're delighted that we've received this support from National Lottery players and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added to the funding we have previously received from Warwick District Council, Historic England, and The Architectural Heritage Fund. We are now able to ensure that St Michael's Place will have a very homely future!"

West Midlands Heritage is working in partnership with Warwick District Council to restore and convert these empty listed buildings for use as affordable rent houses, transforming a site that has been derelict for over 50 years.

Below-ground remains of earlier buildings are a Scheduled Ancient Monument as they date back to the 13th century and the early use of the site as a Leper hospital.

Made possible by National Lottery players, the project aims to save historic buildings at an 800-year-old hospital site and transform them into new affordable rent homes (image supplied)

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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 at risk and providing more affordable rent homes.

Warwick District Council's Portfolio Holder for Housing Cllr Helen Adkins commented: "I'm delighted that with the support of West Midlands Heritage, Historic England, The Architectural Heritage Fund, and the National Lottery players we will be able to preserve the legacy of the site and rescue these long neglected historic buildings, offering them a sustainable future."

A Heritage Community Assistant role is to be created, and opportunities to learn about heritage craft skills are planned, alongside a series of local community events and activities which will help to unlock the history of the site and the surrounding land.

Volunteers, local groups and schools will be able to take part in the project through events and training opportunities, allowing even more people to enjoy and play a part in Warwick's heritage.

Liz Bates, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Heritage Lottery Fund, added: "We are pleased to support West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust with a grant of £2.8million, as we celebrate awarding a total of £2bn of National Lottery and other funding to projects across the Midlands & East of England.

"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."

To find out more about the project, visit the website here.

Warwick District Council is leading the project to repurpose St Michael's Place (image by Warwick District Council)

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