Significant progress is being made on the conversion of the derelict, Grade II-listed Margaret Beavan School in West Derby into a new housing development. The developer, Hassett Homes, has completed intensive structural repairs on the main Victorian building and is now preparing to install a new roof, a critical step in securing the landmark's future.
The ambitious project will ultimately create 32 new homes on the Almonds Green site, which has been vacant since 2004. The plan includes apartments within the historic school, converted coach house residences, and a series of new-build properties.
Key Takeaways
- The former Margaret Beavan School is being converted into 11 apartments.
- The site will also feature 3 converted coach house homes and 18 new-build houses.
- Developers have focused on structurally securing the main Grade II-listed building, which was damaged by a fire in 2022.
- The next major phase is the installation of a new roof using authentic slate tiles to preserve the building's character.
- The project aims to enhance the West Derby Village Conservation Area.
Intensive Structural and Heritage Repairs
Developer Hassett Homes has provided an update on the complex restoration, describing the initial phase of work as "arduous." Teams have been focused on the main school building, which suffered from years of neglect and significant fire damage.
The process involved stripping the structure back to its original frame to ensure its stability. Following this, workers have been meticulously reinstating floor structures and conducting intricate repairs on original heritage features, such as the building's distinctive sandstone bays.
A Building at Risk
The former school, originally a Victorian mansion named Eddesbury, closed its doors in 2004. Over the next two decades, it fell into a state of severe disrepair. The situation worsened dramatically in 2022 when a major fire destroyed much of its roof, leaving the historic interior exposed to the elements and accelerating its decline.
In a letter to local residents, Hassett Homes emphasized its commitment to preservation. "Wherever possible, original elements have been preserved so that they can be reinstated, conserving the building's historic character for the long term," the company stated.
A New Roof Marks a Turning Point
The next major step for the project is the installation of a new roof on the main school building. This is considered a crucial milestone that will make the structure watertight and structurally safe, allowing interior work to proceed without risk of weather damage.
"This is a key milestone that will allow us to make the building watertight and structurally safe," Hassett Homes explained in its communication with neighbours.
To maintain the building's historical integrity, the developer has sourced materials that match the original design. "We have secured authentic slate tiles that reflect the character of the originals to complete the roof and ensure the character of the building is further maintained."
Once the roof is complete, the pace of the wider development is expected to increase significantly. While preliminary infrastructure work has been ongoing, the security of the main listed building was the primary concern.
Project Breakdown
- Main School Building: 11 apartments
- Coach House: Extended and converted into 3 homes
- Former Science Block Site: 18 new-build properties
- Total Dwellings: 32
Full Scope of the Development
The comprehensive plan for the site was approved by Liverpool City Council in 2023 after Hassett Homes acquired the property in 2020. The project is divided into three main components.
The centerpiece is the restoration of the Victorian mansion into 11 modern apartments. Alongside this, the adjacent coach house will be carefully extended and reconfigured to create three separate homes.
The final element involves the construction of 18 new properties. These will be built on the land previously occupied by a derelict 1960s science block, which was not listed and has already been demolished as part of the site clearance that began in May 2024.
Hassett Homes noted, "As we need to have the school building at a certain level of progress before we can push forward with the new builds, once the building roof is on, activity on the new build elements will step up significantly."
Enhancing a Historic Conservation Area
The restoration has been welcomed by local heritage groups, who see it as a vital step in preserving an important local landmark. Stephen Guy, chairman of the West Derby Society, expressed his support for the project's completion.
"We all look forward to this restoration and development being completed," he said. "It is a key part of the West Derby Village Conservation Area which it will enhance and improve."
Guy also provided historical context, noting the building was originally known as Eddesbury, the residence of cotton broker Danson Cunningham. It was the last major Victorian mansion constructed in West Derby.
For many years, it served as the Margaret Beavan School, named after Liverpool’s first female Lord Mayor. The school, which catered to pupils with special educational needs, was deemed surplus to requirements by the council as education policy shifted towards integrating students into mainstream schools.
Hassett Homes concluded its update by thanking the community for their patience. "We are excited to see this landmark building secured for the future and to bring the wider development forward."