Plans unveiled to convert former Portsmouth Grammar School building into homes
A former school could be converted into homes
Plans have been unveiled to transform a former part of Portsmouth Grammar School into 16 homes.
An application has been submitted to Portsmouth City Council seeking permission to convert the Grade II Listed former school into residential use, as well as demolish the rifle range/swimming pool at the site on the corner of St George’s Road and Cambridge Road.
The planning documents state: “This building is part of Portsmouth Grammar School, formerly comprising its Lower School Building, and has been deemed surplus to requirements by the school.
“It is also proposed to develop the hardstanding at the back of the property into a big communal garden for the future occupants including landscaping. The proposal includes 17 car parking spaces, which will utilise the existing access point on Cambridge Road.
“Founded in 1732 by Dr William Smith, the school has stood as a beacon of learning in the heart of Portsmouth for nearly three centuries. The Old Grammar School was opened in 1876 and is a Grade II Listed building.
“Originally built for educational use, it is arranged over three storeys (with basement). To the rear of the property there is a tarmac car park and playground. Within this area there is the school’s swimming pool which has not been used for a number of years, and outbuildings, currently used for storage.”
Portsmouth Grammar School is now based at its home nearby in High Street in Old Portsmouth.
The application said the old school site could be used for an educational use instead of housing but that there was “limited interest” from potential buyers “the majority, from SEN schools and no interest from the local authority”.
“The age of the building and restrictions on the layout led to it being deemed unsuitable,” it said. “We had 10-12 viewings, (the) majority on the basis of residential development (with) four bids, all from residential developers.”