Authorities have said a dilapidated Victorian school building in a County Durham town centre is not being knocked down – despite being surrounded by fencing owned by a demolition firm.

Concerns were raised in the Stanley community after metal panels were erected around the Board School, which dates back to the 1890s, on Front Street.

The building was purchased by Karbon Homes in 2023 and the social housing provider has dispelled rumours it is about to be flattened.

Karbon Homes said the fencing was put up for the safety of pedestrians in the area as severe weather at the beginning of the month damaged the roof of the building.

Sarah Robson, Director of Development and Regeneration, Karbon Homes, said: “Following strong winds and heavy rain in early September, parts of the roof of the derelict Stanley Board School, a site that’s owned by Karbon Homes, became loose to the rear of the building.

“We immediately took preventative steps to ensure that we minimised any risk to the public from further tiles being dislodged.

“We also installed signage to advise that the building and the site around it are unsafe.”

Ms Robson said: “Our priority is the safety of residents and visitors to Stanley Front Street, and we worked with Durham County Council to erect secure metal fencing around the site.

“We’ve also commissioned a specialist contractor to carry out an inspection of the site to advise us on any further action we need to take.  

“Due to the condition of the building, we are exploring what steps we need to take to ensure the site is safe in the long term.

“The fencing is currently in place for the health and safety of those using the Front Street and to reduce the chances of trespassers.”

Feedback from community consultation on the future of the site earlier this year shows a broad desire for a mixed-use, multi-functional space that enables the community to come together.  

She added: “We are still exploring different options for the future of the site. 

“We will continue to keep local residents and businesses informed of any further developments.” 

Initial options for the site proposed by Karbon Homes include creating a youth hub, housing, a business and community hub, or a community cafe.

However the site could still be demolished to pave the way for a complete rebuild. 

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Another option proposed includes a mixed-use venue that would host pop-up events and traders. 

Graham Wood, Durham County Council’s economic development manager, said: “We have worked with Karbon Homes to put up metal fencing and make the site secure following damage caused by strong winds and heavy rain.

“We will continue to support them in identifying the best future use for the Stanley Board School as part of the wider regeneration efforts across the town.”