SKIPTON Properties says it hopes the first phase of new homes at its development site at the former St Stephen’s Primary School, Skipton, will be completed before the end of the year.

The developer is in the process of converting the former school and presbytery, next to Ermysted’s Grammar School in Gargrave Road, into seven new homes. It is also building three new homes behind the Victorian buildings, which it expects to be finished sometime in the winter.

The former school is being converted into four two bed and two three bed apartments, while the attached presbytery will be a three bed cottage. The three new homes at the back will be three bed, and there will be a communal green space for all residents. Prices will start at £265,000.

A spokesperson for Skipton Properties said: “At Skipton Properties every development is a passion project for us, but this one holds special significance thanks to its location in the town in which our business was founded and from which it takes its name, and its status as a beloved local landmark.

“As locals, it’s important to us to create homes that enhance the area, and we’re delighted to preserve, restore and breathe new life back into these historic buildings. “Our innovative designs for the conversion of St Stephen’s were developed, in conjunction with a heritage specialist and Historic England, to work with the fabric of the buildings and celebrate their Gothic Revival architecture.”