THE THUMBS up has been given to the transformation of the former Warwick Gas Works.
After lying empty for more than a decade, the Grade II listed building on Birmingham Road, has finally been given a new lease of life as 22 affordable homes.
The £3.8million development by Waterloo Housing Group – working in partnership with Warwick District Council and contractor Manton – is made up of 13 apartments available for rent and nine houses available for shared ownership.
The historic building is one of the oldest and best preserved examples of its type in the world and the restoration of the site, which also includes the old fire station on Albert Street, has even won praise from The Warwick Society.
To celebrate the historic importance of the building, which dates back to 1822, and mark the end of the project, councillors and residents gathered to see Warwick Society president Antony Butcher and town’s deputy mayor Christine Cross unveil a historic blue plaque.
Mr Butcher said: “The Warwick Society was founded 65 years ago to try and stop the needless tearing down of fine buildings that could be restored and converted to modern needs.
“We are delighted to welcome this impressive new addition, which has improved one of the main entrances to the town.”
District council housing spokesman, Peter Phillips, said: “ I am delighted to see the successful completion of this unique historic development for Warwick and the opportunity the affordable housing will give people to come and live in the town centre.”
Anthony Riley, development and operations group director at Waterloo Housing, added: “This site has a rich and important history both in Warwick and nationally, and the residents living here a part of a new history.
“This development shows how we can meet a housing need in a way that is sympathetic to the local area while rejuvenating buildings and towns.”
