The preparatory works are taking place before the start of building work.

Led and part funded by Warwick District Council in partnership with the West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust, the St Michael’s Place development plans will see the Grade II* listed Master’s House and St Michael’s Chapel in Saltisford sensitively and sympathetically converted for residential use.

In the past few weeks stone and waste soil has been removed and carefully analysed. This will now make way for geophysical examinations and the installation of test trenches to allow for services to come on site at this historic location.

Warwick District Council’s Portfolio for Housing Councillor Paul Wightman commented:

“I’m delighted to see such a significant heritage and housing project in Warwick now taking shape. Our plans will not only conserve the legacy of these buildings but will also give them a sustainable future.”

Earlier this year the St Michael’s Place project was awarded a £40,000 contribution from Historic England earmarked to facilitate the specialist archaeological investigations on the site, with further funding of £138,838 from players of the National Lottery to support the development of detailed designs and a historic interpretation programme.

Further information

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund

National Lottery Heritage Fund grant applications over £250,000 are assessed in two rounds. The St Michael’s Place regeneration project has initially been granted round one development funding of £138,838 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, allowing it to progress with its plans. Detailed proposals are then considered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund at second round, where a final decision is made on the full funding award.

Using money raised by the National Lottery, we Inspire, lead and resource the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. www.heritagefund.org.uk.

About Historic England

We are Historic England: the public body that helps people care for, enjoy and celebrate England’s spectacular historic environment, from beaches and battlefields to parks and pie shops. We protect, champion and save the places that define who we are and where we’ve come from as a nation. We care passionately about the stories they tell, the ideas they represent and the people who live, work and play among them. Working with communities and specialists we share our passion, knowledge and skills to inspire interest, care and conservation, so everyone can keep enjoying and looking after the history that surrounds us all.

About West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust (WMHBT).

The WMHBT was established in 1985 to safeguard buildings, at risk, within the West Midlands that are of historical or architectural importance. WMHBT - WMHBT, WBPT & CoWRBPT