It's back to the future for the University Cathedral Free School (UCFS) which has found a new home – in a former Chester school building.
The primary school, which opened in autumn 2013, is still located in a former job centre in Gateway House, Northgate Street, after plans to move into a permanent base in Abbey Square fell through last July for undisclosed reasons.
Now UCFS is moving into Union Street-based Murlain House, the former location of Love Street School, with existing occupants, including law firms Hillyer McKeown and Mercury Legal Solicitors, to relocate.
The new site is a grade-II listed building in the heart of Chester’s conservation area which is compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act and features on street parking with 30-minute parking available on two sides of the property, including Forest Street, where the main entrance will be located.
Principal Gareth Davies said: “We are delighted to be able to announce that the Education Funding Agency is buying Murlain House site as a permanent home for the University Cathedral Free School. Based in the conservation area of Chester, this grade II listed building will be able to accommodate the full intake of 210 pupils when at full capacity and provide external playground space for the children.”
Parents and pupils learned last week that the school will be based at the new location from September.
The UCFS will still have use of the University of Chester’s facilities for sport, music and drama and the partnership with Chester Cathedral continues, supporting the school’s Christian ethos and vision, and playing a key part in the current and future curriculum.
Mr Davies added: “In our briefings for parents last term we emphasised that a partnership with Chester Cathedral was still very much part of the vision for the UCFS and its continuing development. In the future, a revised partnership will focus on building and sustaining the educational – especially musical – activity of the school and its Christian ethos.
“We see this as enhancing and enriching the learning of the children, the life of the school and its wider community, and the work and standing of Chester Cathedral.”
Parents have already written to principal Mr Davies to express their delight at the new site. Claire Hodkinson said: “Great news about the new location. We’re both pleased with the new site and look forward to carrying on this journey with everyone involved.”
Claire Salih said: “We are all delighted with the news of our new school site. We are very excited to be moving forward with the next stage of the UCFS which is already a wonderful school. The permanent site can only enhance the excellent standards achieved.”
Juliet Evans added: “Well done to you and your staff for your fortitude and stamina during the intermediate, but very happy, time.”
The history of Love Street School
Love Street School is still fondly remembered by well-established residents of the city and former pupils still hold regular reunions.
The school opened in June 1909 after the closure of the Chester Wesleyan Schools in St John Street, most of whose pupils were transferred to Love Street School.
After the 1944 Education Act, Love Street became a secondary modern school. In 1948 most of the older boys of George Street Council School transferred to Love Street after that was closed.
Love Street became overcrowded, and certain classes of the girls’ school were held in annexes which included George Street.
In 1953 Love Street became a girls’ school when the boys transferred to Overleigh Secondary School, and Love Street closed in 1967 when the girls were transferred to the new Charles Kingsley Secondary School at Blacon.
The Love Street premises were then occupied by St Werburgh’s RC Junior School until the building finally closed as a school around the late 70s, after which it was converted for commercial office use.
Do you have memories or photographs from your time at Love Street School? If so, email newsroom@cheshirenews.co.uk.
