Background
Queen Street School is a grade two starred listed building which has been empty for 28 years. It is a building of both architectural and historic merit.
It was built in 1844 following the closure of the local charity school where Isaac Pitman, inventor of shorthand, was master. The school was the main school for Barton for much of the 19th century. Samuel Wilderspin, the pioneer of early Victorian infant education was the first master. In part of the existing building there is some structural evidence of the tiered seating that was one of his main innovations to British schooling. It is only recently that the importance of Wilderspin has emerged locally, although he is already a celebrated educationalist in the United States and Canada.
Vulnerability of the school
The school is in an extremely poor state of repair, and has been identified as a building at risk by the council's conservation staff and English Heritage. The roof structure has suffered from extensive wet rot especially to the valley area. This was formed by a mid Victorian extension. Repair and re-covering is now required. The internal wall below the valley needs to be rebuilt, the timber floors are all rotten and need to be replaced, and all the original fireplaces have been stolen. Spalling of brick work and sandstone dressings is also evident due to water damage. In addition the building will need a full re-heat and re-wire to current standards, together with new toilet facilities. The building is due to be made water-tight as soon as possible.
Site conservation
The school is the property of the council and has not had a designated use since being vacated as a school. However, the Preservation Trust has now been offered a long-term lease of the building.
Officers from a number of council departments have helped the Queen Street School Preservation Trust to draw up an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund. The Trust was awarded an £858,500 grant in June 2006 to return the school into use. The aim of the Trust is to fully restore the building, and bring it back into sustainable use for the benefit of Barton and the wider community. Also to highlight and enhance the connections with Samuel Wilderspin.
This conservation plan was adopted by the Wilderspin Group on 10 March 1999.
Compliance with the conservation plan
The aim of the restoration project is to preserve and strengthen the connection with Wilderspin by re-creating his schoolroom. This, along with the later Victorian classroom, will be used to help parties of school children with their National Curriculum programme, and as a visitor attraction. Suitable uses will be found for the remainder of the building to make it financially sustainable.
It's the council's policy to retain the older buildings in conservation areas. Detailed policies are being developed as part of the North Lincolnshire Local Plan which is in the process of being prepared for full consultation. The Preservation Trust is aware of, and supportive of the conservation policies in the Barton District Local Plan adopted in 1986.
The decision on the mix of end users will be based on the information contained within this plan.