Work Begins Restoring Fulham's Castle Club to Its Original Use

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Gothic building plus modern extension to become Fulham Prep's Senior School

Work has begun restoring the historic Grade II listed Castle Club on the corner of Daisy and Broomhouse Lanes to its original use as a school.

The Gothic building will also have a contemporary extension, as seen in the picture below. You can also see more illustrations of the completed project on the website of architects Darling Associates.

After complete refurbishment by The Thackeray Estate, the building is set to become a secondary school for up to 200 Fulham Prep School senior pupils, aged 13 to 19.

Originally founded as a 'ragged school', the building has fallen into a state of disrepair over the years, following diverse uses including as a school, youth club and, in the last decade, as a private home.

The extensive work planned for the building include the full restoration of the historic structure and the incorporation of modern facilities which will unite contemporary and historic design themes. A proposed, sympathetic modern extension will also introduce the necessary additional floor space needed to bring the building up to modern schooling standards.

Property investment and development company The Thackerary Estate, which bought the building last year for £4,500,000 says Fulham Prep School was selected out  of many different bids partly because most of its pupils live locally and currently walk to school. It is expected that most will walk to school, cycle or use public transport.

Charles Thompson, Development Director, The Thackeray Estate, said: "These proposals will both restore a much-valued local landmark, as well as providing a home for Fulham Prep School’s new Senior School."

Neil Brooks, Principal at Fulham Prep School, said: "There is a shortage of independent, co-educational, day school places in London. Fulham Senior School will help to meet the need and alleviate the anxieties of many children caught in the fierce competition for current places."

Building work is expected to be complete in June 2019, ready for teachers and pupils to move in in September.

The Castle Club began its existence as a purpose-built school in 1855 and retained its educational use until its sale in 2008.

The Right Honourable Laurence Sulivan commissioned the building of a Ragged School, designed by architect Horace Francis in the Gothic Revival Style. It was called the Elizabethan School, in honour of Sulivan's wife Elizabeth, the younger sister of the Prime Minister Lord Palmerston. It later became a school for tubercular children run by the LCC and then the Eight Feathers youth club.

February 24, 2017