Physical condition - external structure
Specialist surveys have been carried out on the roof and the north-east corner to investigate evidence of structural movement. The external walls will need a new DPC and air bricks need to be replaced. The brick and stone work needs repairing/repointing and cleaning. The chimney stacks may also have to be replaced.
The roof structure has suffered from extensive wet rot especially to the centre valley. The roof will have to be comprehensively repaired. The slated roof covering will need stripping and replacing with good quality new or second-hand slate, re-using any slates of suitable quality.
The cast-iron rainwater goods, lead flashinfs and gutters will need repair and/or replacement. The foul and surface drainage may also require replacement. The front boundary wall and railings need rebuilding.
Physical conditions - internal structure
All internal suspended timber floors need replacing and the main wall below the valley will need to be rebuilt. Walls will require extensive replastering, and replacement of the skirtings, architraves and door frames. Attention will need to be given to the condition of the lathe and plaster ceilings, and their repair/replacement as found necessary.
Tiled floors will need cleaning and re-grouting.
The building will need a full reheat and rewire as no installation is in existence to current standards.
The building will also require new sanitary and water facilities as none exist.
Ownership and current use.
The school is owned by North Lincolnshire Council and has no current use. This is because the building is in a derelict condition.
Area and boundaries
Please see appendix 2
Availability of resources
The current owners do not have the resources to bring the building back into use, which is one of the reasons for the formation of the Preservation Trust. A number of funding bodies have agreed to provide the funds to refurbish the building.
Other factors
The current state of the building, being in visibly poor condition, detracts from the appearance of the conservation area. Remedial work will start by the early 2007.
There is considerable public support behind the scheme. A full options appraisal on potential uses was undertaken as part of the Barton Regeneration Project.
Public and community expectations
There is considerable public concern about the state of the building. Particular concerns are expressed about the external appearance of the school, as well as the desire to find a valid and sustainable use for such an important building.
Access
There is good access to the site. There is currently an unsurfaced car park to the rear of the school. This may remain available for car parking after the restoration is completed.
The school is based on the ground floor only. The Preservation Trust is committed to enabling access for all.
Statutory controls
The building is of architectural and historic importance. It's listed Grade II starred. Any works that affect the existing architectural or historic features of the building will therefore require listed building consent. Any works which materially affect the external appearance of the building will also need planning permission. Some work will also need building regulations approval.
Planning permission and listed building consent were granted in July 2005.
Areas of conflict
Potential areas of conflict identified to date include:
- The need to maintain the Wilderspin connection and the original character of the school
- Evidence arising from any archaeological investigations and the recording brief inside the school.