Eight-century site in Saltisford set for new life
Restoration work has begun at St Michael’s Place in Saltisford, a site in Warwick with a history stretching back around 800 years. Once a medieval leper hospital and later used as almshouses, a chapel, a Master’s House and at one point a blacksmith’s workshop, the complex has stood empty for decades.
The project will see the Grade II-listed buildings converted into new affordable-rent homes as part of a wider conservation programme. The site has been included on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register since the first list appeared in 1998.
Funding, partners and the contractor
The scheme is being led by West Midlands Heritage in partnership with Warwick District Council, which used a Compulsory Purchase Order in 2021 to bring the site forward. The overall budget for the work is approximately £2.8 million, enabled in part by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
| Partner / Funder | Role |
|---|---|
| West Midlands Heritage | Lead delivery organisation |
| Warwick District Council | Partner; CPO used in 2021 |
| National Lottery Heritage Fund | Main grant funder |
| Historic England, The Architectural Heritage Fund, The Pilgrim Trust, Warwick Town Council | Additional funding/support |
| Splitlath Ltd | Conservation contractor (trading since 1867) |
Community involvement and training
Work on site will be carried out by Splitlath Ltd, a specialist conservation company with a long history, and the project includes opportunities for local participation. Volunteers, community groups and schools are to be offered events and training linked to the restoration.
- Conversion to affordable-rent homes
- Conservation work led by a specialist contractor
- Community engagement through events and training
“We are delighted to have reached this important point in the delivery stage of our project at St Michael’s Place, Warwick,”
The sentiment was echoed by Warwick District Council’s housing spokesperson, who described the start of works as “great news”, underlining the council’s commitment to safeguarding an important part of Warwick’s built heritage while addressing housing needs.
Local significance and next steps
For residents, the scheme represents both preservation of a long-standing historic asset and the creation of new affordable housing in the town. The partnership model — combining heritage funding, council intervention and private conservation expertise — aims to secure the site’s future use while retaining its historic fabric.
Further details on timelines for completion and how local groups can take part in training and volunteering activities are expected to be published by West Midlands Heritage as the works progress on site.
