Back in 2018, the historical Burton Endowed Schools building on 20 Waterloo Street, Burton-on-Trent, underwent an impressive renovation journey, evolving from the building's previous purposes as a school and in more recent times the Burton Enterprise Centre, into a contemporary residential complex.
The building, situated prominently close to the former Town Hall and the railway station, has been revitalized to offer 25 apartments, with 30 modern ensuites. In the late 1800s, the building's original purpose was for Burton Endowed Schools, created by combining Finney’s Allsopp’s and Astle’s Charities with the Grammar School Endowments. This led to the establishment of two boys' schools and one girls' school, known as Allsopp’s Girls’ School, one of the earliest girls' schools in England, opening around 1873.
The Waterloo Street building housed both Allsopp’s Girls’ School and Allsopp’s Boys’ School until the early 1900's where the entire building was dedicated to the girls' establishment and renamed the Girls’ High School.
This would be the use for the building throughout the 20th century until its conversion from the school and art college into the Burton Enterprise Centre in 1986 hosting 20 office units, until our purchase of the building in 2018, after the costs of running the building became 'unsustainable' for the previous owners. Meanwhile the renovation project, initiated in September 2018 and completed in March 2020, saw substantial changes, with the addition of parking bays, an internal yard, and new roof functionalities to enhance all aspects of this enormous space in the heart of Burton.
The building's interior spans 10,989 square feet, encompassing approximately 0.55 acres of land. This highlights the sheer size and scale of the project we embarked on in 2018. The 1920s-era photos showcase its rich history, while the newer photographed interior incorporated by DBR reflects the contemporary design sensibilities to compliment and retain the Victorian building's historic aesthetic. Retaining ownership of the building, our hard work proved to be a success, with all 25 apartments currently fully tenanted, and generating an impressive £182,000 per annum.
The renovation focused on intricate design details in the bedroom and bathroom. Every unit now showcases walls in a soft grey tone, laminate flooring with a natural wood look, white skirting boards, and modern ceiling lights, crafting an inviting and well-lit ambiance. Large windows contribute to the overall attractiveness of the natural light in the living areas, too.
This transformation has not only preserved the historical significance of the Waterloo Street building but has also added substantial value. The property is now estimated at an impressive £2.4 million. The renovation project stands as yet another testament to the successful marriage of historical preservation and contemporary living, breathing new life into a cherished Burton landmark. More Photos
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