Leper hospital gets £2.8m to restore into homes

More than £2.8m has been secured to transform two 15th-century buildings into affordable homes.

The St Michaels' Place project aims to "rescue and reuse" the Master's House and St Michael's Chapel in Saltisford, Warwick, after receiving the award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The two buildings on the 800-year-old leper hospital site are Grade II* listed.

Councillor Helen Adkins welcomed the funding. "We will be able to preserve the legacy of the site and rescue these long-neglected historic buildings, offering them a sustainable future," she said.

The project to transform the site is a collaborative effort between West Midlands Heritage and Warwick District Council to restore and convert the buildings that have been derelict for more than 50 years into affordable rented homes.

Corinne Brazier, chair of West Midlands Heritage, credited the work of her colleagues and support from the local community for reaching an "important delivery stage".

"We are now able to ensure that St Michael's Place will have a very homely future," she said.

As part of the project a heritage community assistant role is to be created. There will also be opportunities to learn about heritage craft skills and a series of local community events and activities will be held.

Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.