DEVELOPERS of a new retirement village at the site of former school, St Mary's Convent have promised to preserve the history of the grade II listed main building.

The site in Battenhall Avenue is being developed by Enterprise Retirement Living.

A spokesperson for ERL said: "The house will be refurbished to provide extensive communal facilities and several exquisite and unique apartments, along with conversion of the stable block into separate dwellings, renovation of The Gatehouse and Gardener’s Cottage, and construction of further new-build apartments in the grounds.

"ERL is justifiably proud of its work in preserving the heritage and character of these treasures of the past, whilst bringing them back into contemporary use.

"At Mount Battenhall, as it’s now known, as many as possible of the original features of the Italianate mansion are being retained and meticulously brought back to their former glory.

"These include internal marble floors, iron heating grates, wood panelling, fireplaces, Anaglypta wallpaper, plasterwork, stained glass windows, artwork and chandeliers.

"Specialist roofers have been employed and expert stonemasons are working on internal and external walls and balustrades. The result will be a stunning piece of history given a new lease of life for many years to come.

"Work has also begun on clearing undergrowth to allow a number of ancient trees to breathe and flourish without damage, and specialist horticulturists are restoring the formal gardens to their former splendour for all to enjoy.

"Mount Battenhall currently has nesting sparrowhawks, nuthatches and woodpeckers, and bat boxes have been built to protect the habitat of these creatures."

For more information on Mount Battenhall Retirement Village, which anticipates welcoming its first occupants towards the end of this year, contact 01905 630 298 or visit www.mountbattenhall.co.uk.