Update "imminent" on housing plan for site of demolished Lancaster school

The former Skerton High School being demolished in 2024

The leader of Lancaster City Council said an update on housing plans for the former Skerton High School site is "imminent".

Councillor Caroline Jackson was speaking at the full Lancaster City Council meeting on Wednesday night.

During her regular Leader's Report to fellow councillors, Councillor Jackson was questioned on the plans to build new homes on the land formerly occupied by Skerton High School.

Planning permission for 135 new homes was granted in December 2024.

Councillor Keith Budden, of the Conservatives, asked: "Is there anything happening in the foreseeable future on the Skerton school site?"

"We have been out to pre market survey of what's available for us," said Councillor Jackson, of the Greens.

"That has reported back and should be coming to (the) April Cabinet (meeting). It is imminent.

"At that point we will be stating where we are going with the Skerton site."

Below, the former Skerton High School

Councillor Andrew Gardiner, Conservative leader on the city council, speaking later on during Wednesday's meeting at Morecambe Town Hall, said: "I know this council would like to build on Skerton. I don't think it's going to happen, I don't personally think the funding is there.

"I believe if we offloaded (council) commercial properties we could support the residents of this area on things that they actually require, which is build quality housing."

In October, Lancaster City Council backed plans to test whether there is interest from housing developers to partner with them on an affordable and social housing scheme both on the site of the former Skerton High School and also the wider Mainway estate.

Skerton High closed in 2014 after being deemed surplus to requirements by Lancashire County Council due to dwindling pupil numbers.

Lancaster City Council bought the building in 2023.

The council gave permission for the school to be demolished in December 2023, and the bulldozers moved in, in early 2024. 

The approved housing plan is for two sets of new apartments, with a central square where residents would be able to meet and socialise, a lawn with cafe style seating around the edge, and an additional community area on the ground floor of one of the apartment buildings.

There would be three terraces of two, three, and four bedroom houses, children’s play facilities and two new football pitches, complete with changing facilities for players and officials.

The two rows of cherry trees that line the entrance way alongside the playing fields at the front of the site will be retained and there will also be on-site parking.

The new homes will be affordable social rented accommodation, owned by Lancaster City Council, and with the council as landlord.

An artist's impression of the new homes (below)

The Mainway estate was built in the 1960s, but many of the buildings are reaching the end of their life.

Read more: Skerton High School and Mainway housing plans move forward - Beyond Radio

New housing scheme at former Skerton High School given go-ahead  

Iconic Lancaster high-rise block of flats could be demolished over safety risks

Bulldozers move in at former Lancaster high school to clear way for new housing

INTERVIEW: Residents speak of "anger and anxiety" over Lancaster housing estate revamp plan

Council finally purchase Skerton High School site

Next steps announced in Mainway masterplan

Leader assures residents over Skerton High housing scheme after claims it has "stalled"

 

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