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Gladstone Mews, BOURNEMOUTH, BH7 6BG

Having lain derelict and disused for many years, the BCCA in Boscombe was finally scheduled for demolition in 2013 after a hard fought campaign to save it was lost. A small housing development of 11 affordable homes will take its place under the auspices of a Community Land Trust that will allocate them to local people. The old schoolhouse, a grade II listed building is also included in the development, which will be revamped as an arts hub. The view of the site to the northwest just prior to the demolition of these buildings. Image

Groundworks nearing completion. Image

With all the groundworks complete (foundations, drainage, utilities etc), work has commenced in good weather of the ground and first floors of the timber frame. Image

The timber frame of the first floor under construction. Image

With the completion of the basic timber frame, work has progressed to the construction of a pitched roof over which roofing felt has been laid. The felt has been lapped under the tiles of the adjacent properties. Update 16/11/21: a delay to the completion of the roof has neverthless meant work has moved on instead to the interior, where the installation of flooring, a staircase, and much else besides continues apace. Image

Double glazed windows have been installed on the first floor, and wooden battens are now in place at the front. Some progress has also been made on the roof with more battens laid over the roofing felt, but again, currently paused awaiting materials. Interior work continues which is now at the stage where plasterboard is being installed on walls and ceilings. There's some anxiety about Storm Arwen with 90 mph gusts of wind forecast for Scotland that is expected to hit the South to a lesser degree Friday afternoon into Saturday. Image

At last! The roof is on complete with a crop of solar panels, and with the removal of the scaffolding, exterior cladding has appeared on the front of the first floor. The ground floor is still a work in progress, but has since acquired a double glazed window and door. Much has been completed inside, electrics and plumbing of course, but kitchen units and a bathroom suite too, and walls and ceilings are currently receiving the attention of a painter and decorator. In the next couple of weeks it's expected that a central heating system will also be installed. Completion is scheduled for next month (possibly). Image

The Finale. With the exterior to the first floor completed along with the driveway paving, the project was finally concluded yesterday after almost a year to the day, when literally the last lick of paint was applied to the side walls of the undercroft. Another task that didn't go unnoticed, was the reduction in height of the old school entrance walls and gate piers in order to provide a sight line for the exiting of a vehicle to the highway. The freehold is being offered for sale at £315,000, currently under offer. Image

The view to the northwest of this part of the demolition site, showing it completely levelled. More reclaimed bricks are being stacked to the right of the picture. The old schoolhouse in the far distance is being retained and refurbished as a creative hub. Image

The view to the northeast with demolition of this part of the site almost complete. Image