New lease of life for Bentham building

11:40pm Tuesday 14th February 2012 in

• By Emma Lidiard

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ONE of Bentham’s landmark buildings has been given a £1.8 million facelift and re-opened as an independent residential school.

Cedar House School opened in the former grammar school building, which had been empty for three years.

The buildings, some dating back to 1884, have been completely refurbished to provide day schooling and residential care for children with special educational needs.

The school has new kitchens, library, science block and three ‘houses’ with bedrooms, lounges and kitchens for youngsters and staff. It also has 13 acres of land, with a sports hall, football pitch
and a stretch of river where students have the right to fish.

Whittington-based Fred Hall Son carried out all the building and renovation work on the Grade II listed property, originally constructed as a rectory.

They had just 10 months to carry out the extensive renovation works to get the school ready for its opening.

And they came across some unexpected problems along the way, including a colony of whiskered and pipistrelle bats which had to remain undisturbed while they put a new roof on the building.

To meet the deadline they also employed an additional five staff and worked closely with Erica Wright, of Kirkby Lonsdale-based architects Wright Design Partnership.

Cedar House School was based in Kirkby Lonsdale for more than 35 years before moving to Bentham.

Head teacher Gillian Ridgway said: “We are delighted with our new premises. They provide the pupils with an extensive range of purpose-built educational and residential provisions which supports
our ‘outstanding’ delivery to a diverse group of children with complex needs.”

Cedar House School is a 38 week residential and day special school.