A NEW plan to turn the former Herbert Gray College site into a retirement village will be unveiled at two public exhibitions later this month.
Abode Senior Living wants to turn the town centre site into a care home, residential accommodation for the over 65s for sale and rent, a spa, a restaurant and leisure facilities.
The development, known as Caldecott Square, will retain the Grade II-listed Herbert Gray College building, restoring certain elements including the garden rooms and entrance hallway.
The site’s Marjorie Hume House will also be kept, and the college grounds will be restored and landscaped.
Abode spokesman Anthony Kan said: “This is a fantastic development that will bring this disused site back into use for Rugby, enhancing the character and appearance of the area which has needed transformation for many years.
“Before we submit a planning application, we want to hear from the local community. I hope to meet lots of residents at the exhibitions and over the coming weeks.”
A previous plan by Oak Retirement and Audley Holdings to build a 73-apartment care accommodation complex on the Little Church Street site was approved by Rugby Borough Council in June 2016 – but on the condition that the development starts within three years of that date. No work has taken place.
In 2009, a plan to bring a boutique-style hotel, offices and a leisure complex to the site was approved, but subsequently abandoned.
The college site was the national headquarters of relationship support charity Relate until it moved to Doncaster in 2008.
Residents can view and comment on the new proposals at Rugby School’s Collingwood Centre in Barby Road on Monday (March 18) from 2:30-8pm, and at The Arnold House in Elsee Road on Wednesday (March 20) from 2:30-8pm.
Visit www.caldecottsquare.co.uk for more information.
