PLANS for a new care accommodation complex on the site of the former Herbert Gray College – revealed by The Observer last December – have been submitted to Rugby Borough Council.
The £18m project will, if approved, see Oak Retirement and Audley Holdings build 73 extra care apartments in what will be known as Caldecott Square on land behind St Andrew’s Church in the town centre.
They will be predominantly for for the over 55s with care support and central community facilities. A café open to the general public will overlook the square.
The Little Church Street development will cover the area currently occupied by Herbert Gray College, Marjorie Hume House and St Andrews Church House – which St Andrew’s has already agreed to sell.
A 1970s-built section of the Grade II-listed Herbert Gray College building will be demolished, but the 18th and 19th century sections will remain.
Dan Rickett, managing director of project designers Rickett Architects, told us: “Planning consent for the previous office-led scheme was granted in 2009 and has been actively marketed for an extended period without success.
“Upon completion, the scheme will provide a significant investment for Rugby and will enable the redevelopment of a long disused site.”
The plan follows an unsuccessful bid to bring a boutique style hotel, offices and a leisure complex to the site five years ago.
The college site was the national headquarters of relationship support charity Relate until it moved to Doncaster in 2008.
Members of the public have until June 5 to comment on the proposals before they are considered by the council’s planning committee.
