Extensive refurbishment is planned for a well-known and unique building in Brigg which is one of the largest detached properties in the town.
Originally built in the 1870s as a boarding house when Brigg Grammar School provided live-in accommodation for dozens of its pupils, the building was eventually converted for teaching and ancillary uses, including providing a base for Brigg Sixth Form College.
The former boarding house - now part of the Sir John Nelthorpe Upper School site off Grammar School Road - is to have most of its windows replaced under a scheme drawn up for North Lincolnshire Council, the local education authority.
The building is today described as Block D on the site.
Similar treatment is earmarked for the former headmaster's house on one side of the three-storey building which looks out over the school playing field.
Planning permission for 'partial' window/door replacement on all floors is being applied for, and a public consultation period is now under way.
A Design & Access Statement, drawn up by architects, explains the current single-glazed windows will be replaced by Accoya timber-framed double-glazed windows to match the existing size and type.
The report says: "The installation of double glazing will contribute to improving the overall thermal performance of the Block D building. It is envisaged that this will have an additional benefit of reducing heating costs and improved comfort to room users."
Among the advantages of using Accoya timber-framed windows and doors is "exceptional durability and a minimum life expectancy of 60 years."
They will last much longer than conventional hardwood.
The statement explains that the timber to be used "grows quickly in sustainable forests and the treatment process is carbon neutral and completely non-toxic."
The replacements will be "40% more thermally efficient."
Block D - the former boarding house - is "in the curtilage" of the nearby grade one listed building - the original 17th century school room adjoining Grammar School Road which is still in use.
The replacements proposed will match what is now present and will not affect the setting of the listed building part of the site, the statement stresses.
Brigg Town Council is being consulted as part of the public consultation ending on June 23.
The boarding house provided pupil accommodation for more than 100 years - continuing into the early period of comprehensive education following the formation of Sir John Nelthorpe School in 1976.
However, declining demand for places contributed to the withdrawal of boarding facilities.
Considerable investment was made in the former boarding house some years ago when it was re-roofed.
The building is seen above about 20 years ago (prior to being re-roofed) and below in the mid-1920s. The image showing the building's proximity to Glebe Road comes courtesy of Neil Stapleton.
