Site Event/Activity record ECH7010 - Abbey Gate College VI Form Centre and Science Block, Saighton, Cheshire: Heritage Assessment

Heritage assessment produced in 2017 for Abbey Gate College in support of proposed alterations and extension to the VI Form Centre, and an extension to the Science Block. The VI Form Centre was originally the Stable Block for Saighton Grange (CHER 1952/1/1), and the Science Block is a combination of a converted outbuilding and a 1980s extension. Saighton Grange was originally the principal country house of the Abbots of Chester. The oldest surviving section is the gatehouse, which was erected by Abbot Simon Ripley around 1490. After the Dissolution the manor of Saighton passed through many owners before it was acquired in the 1840s by the Grosvenor family. Apart from the medieval gatehouse, the property was rebuilt by the 2nd Marquess of Westminster to serve as a house for the Earl Grosvenor, heir to the Eaton estate. Late 19th century alterations and additions included the stable block. In 1977 the site was acquired by Abbey Gate College for use as a school. New buildings were added during the 1980s, followed later by sports facilities and an arts block. The former stable block was converted incrementally to form a refectory and classrooms. The gatehouse at Saighton Grange is a Grade I listed building, while the former house, chapel and stone boundary wall are listed Grade II. The VI Form Centre and Science Block are treated as curtilage listed. The site lies within Saighton Conservation Area. (1)