Hunstanton Infant School being turned into new homes

Norfolk County Council-owned Repton Property Developments is building seven apartments, two houses and two bungalows at Hunstanton Infant School, which closed its doors in 2015.  

Andrew Jamieson, deputy leader at Norfolk County Council and councillor for the north coast, said: "I'm thrilled to see the work start on this site. This project will bring the building back into use while respecting and enhancing the character of the historic school building.

"The project will provide modern, characterful, high-quality housing to the area while providing a welcome return on investment for Norfolk taxpayers.

An artist's impression of how the finished scheme will look (Image: Gary Johns Architects)

“Many of the local residents we have spoken to, some of them former students, have expressed their delight that the building will be put to good use."

The project will preserve the original school building on Valentine Road and incorporate it into the design of the new development.

The school, which was built of carrstone with a master's house beside it for £150 in 1874, was a much-loved feature of life in the town for almost 150 years.

It was enlarged twice and by 1925 could accommodate 200 boys and girls and 100 infants.

The former Hunstanton Infant School (Image: Chris Bishop)

Generations of Hunstanton families attended until the merger with nearby Redgate School rendered it redundant.

Known as the Old School Yard, the scheme will preserve the original school building, which dates back to the 1870s, and incorporate it into the design of the new development.

Repton is working on the development with Torrington Properties Ltd and construction is being undertaken by EN Suiter & Sons.

Work on site is expected to be completed in the autumn.