Transformation of the Grade II listed former Abercorn School into a single-family home
MWA are delighted to announce that planning permission has been granted in just 11 weeks for the transformation of a historic Grade II Listed House and Artists’ Studio. Formerly home to Abercorn School, the building will be reinstated to its original use as a single family home.
The Grade II Listed property was built for artist John O’Connor in 1878 as a semi-detached house with a studio built out of the west facade. Over the past century, the building has lost much of its original character through the demolition of key architectural features as it was later converted into a primary school.
Our proposals seek to reconfigure the building to align with its original purpose as a dwelling as well as repair, enhance, and redecorate the house to align it to contemporary living standards and ensure the safekeeping of the heritage asset.
The restoration of the dormer window to the ‘artist’s studio’, the removal of the non-original rear fire escape staircase, and repositioning of the front boundary wall will return the building to an appearance closer to its original design intent. Proposed landscaping will reduce the amount of hard surfaces, allowing for more biodiversity and enhancing the site.
These works will benefit and enhance the building’s architectural, historical, and communal value, and secure its upkeep and contribution to the local conservation area into the future.
“Securing consent in just 11 weeks reflects a welcome efficiency in the planning process and underlines the strength of the proposals. This scheme restores the building to its original use as a family home and carefully addresses the loss of key architectural features, having been knocked about during its years as an independent school. We anticipate a straightforward route into the detailed design and construction phases, with the works set to ensure the long-term preservation and relevance of this historic property.”
