Heritage restoration work at an important historic site in Warwick is to feature 21st Century digital interpretation.

Over the past 800 years, St Michael's Place in Saltisford has evolved from a medieval leper hospital to aims houses and Chapel with a Master's House, and even partial conversion at one time to a blacksmith's workshop, before the entire site fell into disuse.

The new interpretation will enable residents, students and those further afield to explore these layers of history in an engaging and accessible way.

Leamington Spa-based digital specialists, Fish in a Bottle, have been commissioned to produce the St Michael's Place heritage interpretation.

The studio has been operating for over twenty years and has built a body of work that ranges from BBC Bitesize educational games and the Science Museum's Wonderlab+ to and science communication interactives in the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

The new interpretation will enable residents, students and those further afield to explore these layers of history in an engaging and accessible way (image supplied)

Working closely with the local community, Warwick District Council's Portfolio Holder for Housing Cllr Jess Melrose 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."

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Fish in a Bottle will create an immersive digital experience to bring the rich history of St Michael's Place to life.

The digital programme will also support learning among school-age children by highlighting traditional heritage skills such as carpentry, masonry and thatching.

Raising awareness of these career pathways aligns with Historic England's Historic Environment Skills and Careers Action Plan (HESCAPE), which aims to address critical skills shortages across the sector.

This work is made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Heritage Fund is supporting West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust, part of West Midlands Heritage, to deliver vital repairs and refurbishment to the Master's House and St Michael's Chapel. Both are Grade II* listed buildings dating from the 15th century.

In partnership with Warwick District Council, the Trust will restore and convert these longderelict buildings, unused for over 50 years, into much-needed affordable rent homes, securing a sustainable future for the site.

Community engagement is a core part of the project. Volunteers, local groups and schools will be invited to take part in workshops and events to help shape the digital interpretation, ensuring that local voices play a central role in telling Warwick's story.

Fish in a Bottle interactive story (image supplied)

Laura Seymour, Managing Director, Fish in a Bottle commented: "We're delighted to have been appointed to deliver the digital interpretation for St Michael's Place. The site has an extraordinary history, and we're excited to work alongside West Midlands Heritage, local schools and the wider community to help bring those stories to life for as many people as possible.

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"Through the project, we'll be creating an experience that can be explored in schools, at home and at community events, enabling people to connect with the heritage of St Michael's Place in new and engaging ways. We're particularly excited by the opportunity to showcase the traditional skills, crafts and careers that have shaped and preserved historic places for generations, inspiring young people to see heritage not just as something to learn about, but something they could one day be part of."

To find out more about the project, visit here.