Hillcrest consults on King’s Macclesfield plans
The housebuilder has gauged public views on its proposals for the site on Cumberland Street, having purchased it from King’s last year to enable the school’s relocation to a new £60m campus.
Hillcrest’s purchase was one of four deals agreed to fund the school’s relocation; two other sites have been bought by retirement living developer McCarthy & Stone, Homes England, and housebuilder Bellway. Together, these could deliver around 450 homes.
Hillcrest’s site is on the approach into the centre from Macclesfield District General Hospital and comprises the grade two-listed main school building, erected in the 19th century, and another school building dating from the 20th century.
Working with architect Project3 and the school, the developer is looking to restore the period buildings into apartments alongside a number of new-build houses, built around the existing cricket pitch. In total, around 110 homes are being proposed.
Work will not begin until 2020, when the school’s new campus completes, allowing the sites to be released for housing development. The school has already started work on its new site, working with contractor Vinci to deliver a £60m, 80-acre scheme outside Prestbury, which is due to open in time for the 2020/21 academic year.
James Payne, managing director of Hillcrest Homes, said: “The school campus, and the buildings within it, are held in high esteem and we’re fully aware of the honour and responsibility of being entrusted with its future.
“Our proposal seeks to preserve the beauty and history of the campus whilst providing attractive and complementary new homes for buyers at all life stages.”
Savills is advising King’s School on its relocation and the sale of its estate.
