Historic Simpson Street School Site in Sunderland to be Transformed into Residential Units

Strategic Insights -

The former Simpson Street School, a Victorian-era school that dates back to 1867, is set to undergo a significant transformation. The site has been restored and occupied by architecture firm BDN since 2020. However, the firm has announced that it has outgrown the premises and is seeking permission to convert the building into residential use. The proposed scheme includes the conversion of existing office space into six new one-bedroom apartments and retaining the existing eight apartments without alteration.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed scheme includes the conversion of existing office space into six new one-bedroom apartments and retaining the existing eight apartments without alteration, bringing the total number of residential units to 14.
  • The design approach aims to maintain the existing entrances and split levels of the listed building, with two of the new apartments using a ground floor / lower ground floor entrance and the remaining four apartments accessed via a first floor entrance.
  • Additional parking demands of the scheme would be met through available on-street parking along Wellington Lane, although the spaces would not be designated or allocated parking.
  • Cycle parking would be increased on site through a stacked storage system to meet the required provision for all 14 apartments.
  • The proposed scheme has been informed by a heritage statement, and proposed internal alterations have been carefully developed to work sensitively within the existing structure, retaining key architectural elements and minimizing impact on the historic fabric.
  • The scheme aims to secure a sustainable future for the site and maintain the same respect for the building's heritage as the previously approved scheme.

Statistics:

  • The site dates back to 1867, with the school opening as Deptford Yard Church of England School.
  • The site has been restored and occupied by BDN since 2020.
  • The proposed scheme would bring the total number of residential units within the building to 14.
  • Two of the new apartments would access the building through a ground floor / lower ground floor entrance, while four apartments would access the building through a first floor entrance.
  • Additional parking demands of the scheme would be met through available on-street parking, which would not be designated or allocated parking.
  • Cycle parking would be increased on site through a stacked storage system to meet the required provision for all 14 apartments.

Sources:

  • "See inside stunning transformation of historic Simpson Street School" by Sunderland Echo (https://www.sunderlandecho.com/business/see-inside-stunning-transformation-of-historic-simpson-street-school-3542906)
  • Sunderland City Council's planning portal website