School site could provide sheltered housing

Contractors are moving into a former education building in Ramsey today (Monday) to begin the task of demolishing it.

Albert Road Junior School will take three months to pull down, after lying empty for two and a half years.

The 103 year-old building was closed in 2008 when the new Scoill Ree Gorree opened, and the Department of Education and Children says it will now focus on the future use of the site.

Ramsey commissioners and the government are considering redevelopment plans which could include a sheltered housing complex.

The education department says it's keen the building shouldn't lie derelict for long and any redevelopment should have a strong architectural impact on what is an important site.

The former school is also being considered as part of the town centre regeneration scheme, which includes redeveloping old public sector housing nearby.

Initially, it's thought the site will become a temporary public car park, with the commissioners due to submit a planning application for 65 spaces.

However, that will only be in place until building work starts on a new project in around two year's time, and the regular farmers market will return to the site while those plans are drawn up.