An old school building in Sunderland has been restored, providing homes for vulnerable adults.

Contractor Brims has completed a major programme of work to restore and extend Washington Old School on Albert Place, which will soon deliver 15 new specialist apartments. The project, which has taken 12 months to complete, is part of a council-led programme that has delivered scores of new homes across Sunderland.

The building - originally known as Biddick School - was built in 1893. It closed in 1993, after which it temporarily housed the Washington Church of Christ before being left vacant and falling into disrepair.

A range of significant modifications have been made to the old school, including the addition of a new mezzanine floor in some of the apartments to make the most of the existing space, light and roof height and all apartments benefit from a high-quality specification developed with the end user in mind. Four new apartments extend and complement the existing building and renewable energy has been used throughout the development, with the addition of solar photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps, to reduce energy bills for residents and lessen carbon emissions. The development also boasts a stunning landscaped courtyard for all the occupants to enjoy, including seating designed by a local artist.

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The school has stood empty for 20 years, and neighbours a cluster of new bungalows that the council developed in 2021 to boost the number of homes for older people and those with physical disabilities in Washington. Residents are expected to start moving into the scheme during August 2023.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, dynamic city cabinet member, said: "It's brilliant to see a building that had fallen into disuse and was a blight on the community now back to its best and ready to welcome new residents.

"So often, empty properties like this become a magnet for problems, so to be able to proactively tackle this one, and create much-needed new housing in the process, is just brilliant.

"We're so proud to have been able to deliver this stunning scheme, which sits beautifully alongside a community of attractive new homes that we have also developed as a local authority to ensure the city benefits from a wider range of properties that are able to support the needs of vulnerable residents and those living with a disability."

The housing will be allocated by the council's Adult Social Care team, who will identify those whose needs can be best met by the homes in the property.