A once-loved school that stood vacant for years has been transformed into a thriving new neighbourhood, breathing fresh life into the local community while preserving its rich heritage.
Working in partnership with Riverside Housing and JDDK Architects, Meldrum Construction delivered the Dunston Hill development, converting a historically significant former school site into 35 high-quality affordable homes. The project supports Riverside’s partnership with Homes England to increase the supply of affordable housing while creating lasting social value for local people.
More than simply building new homes, the development has been shaped by a commitment to honour the site’s history and celebrate the memories it holds for generations of residents.
Located on what is now aptly named Old School Road (a name chosen by the local community) the development provides a mix of two and three-bedroom homes alongside several four-bedroom townhouses, offering modern, energy-efficient living for families of varying sizes.
Recognising the importance of the former school building, the project team carefully incorporated elements of its history into the new neighbourhood. Original school signage was salvaged and repurposed, creating lasting reminders of the site’s past and ensuring its story continues for future generations.
Despite the challenges of working across two opposing build fronts, with construction progressing simultaneously between plots 1–14 and 35–29, the team maintained an impressive build rate of two homes per week, helping to deliver much-needed housing efficiently.
A Development shaped by the community
Community engagement was central to the project from the outset, with local residents – including former pupils of the school – playing an active role in shaping the development.
A community naming competition invited residents to choose a name for the new street, resulting in the fitting tribute of Old School Road.
To celebrate the site’s journey through time, Meldrum Construction also created a series of Past, Present and Future display boards. The Past board showcased photographs submitted by local residents, capturing treasured memories of the school and surrounding area. For the Present, pupils from a nearby primary school took part in a drawing competition, with the winning artwork featured on the display. Looking ahead, the Future board used CGI imagery to give the community a glimpse of what the completed development would become.
The initiative connected generations of local people, celebrating the area’s history while creating excitement for its future.
Investing in communities
The Dunston Hill development demonstrates how thoughtful regeneration can preserve local heritage while addressing today’s housing needs.
By combining affordable housing with meaningful community engagement and careful preservation of the site’s identity, the project has transformed an abandoned landmark into a vibrant place that families can now call home.
For Meldrum Construction, the project reflects its commitment to making a positive difference in the communities where it works – delivering not only new homes but lasting local impact through strong partnerships, thoughtful design and genuine community involvement.
