Gleeson takes Dennis back to school

A coincidental family tie led to Sheffield’s 81 year old former Senior Fire Prevention Officer being able to take a trip down memory lane and visit the building in which he attended school over 76 years ago!

Dennis Kay was in the infant school at Leopold Boy’s School back in 1931. The buildings at Leopold Square, built in 1879, housed Sheffield’s Central (Junior) Technical School, the Sheffield School Board Offices and latterly the City’s Education offices.

Now, Gleeson Homes is transforming the Grade II Listed buildings into a collection of 42 unique, luxury apartments under the watchful eye of Site Manager, Greg Tweed. When Greg’s father-in-law Dennis heard about his involvement it was only a matter of time before he was persuaded to give Dennis a guided tour of the buildings where he started his schooling.

“There are now only 8 apartments remaining for sale so time was running out for Dennis to be able to gain access to remember this part of his life” explained Greg. “He has been on at me to give him a tour round for so long now so and was desperate to see the old roof top playground, parts of which are still accessible from the top floor apartments.”

So what did Dennis make of the changes to his old school buildings? “I think it is magnificent that the traditional features of these lovely old buildings have been maintained” he explained. “Sheffield City centre has changed so much in recent years and I think all the glass fronted buildings spoil the character. I am so happy that such beautiful architecture will be kept here.”

Once upon the old roof top playground the memories came flooding back: “We used to play out on the roof; over 100 children all running about 50 feet above the ground – you would never get away with it now! You can even see where the old stanchions were fixed to hold up the netting that stopped us falling off.”

Still a member of the National Association of Retired Firefighters, Dennis was responsible for working with architects on fire safety at the planning stages of many of Sheffield’s landmark buildings. It was this involvement that stimulated his interest in architecture: “So much of Sheffield’s heritage has disappeared, it has been knocked down to make way for new modern buildings. I think this is a tremendous complex that will ensure a part of the city’s history will live on and it will make a beautiful place to live.”

With only a few apartments remaining for sale was Dennis tempted to move back to city life again, once having lived over the fire station on nearby Division Street? “The world has moved on but I would come and live here. I like these modern apartments. They are spacious and ideal for people who want to live in the city centre.”

Dennis added: “Greg could only answer so many of my questions about what was happening to my old school, I’m so happy to have come and seen it for myself.”

Prices for the remaining 2-bedroom apartments at Leopold Square start from £204,995 and the show apartment is open daily between 10.00am and 5.00pm. For more information log onto Gleeson-homes.co.uk.