A bid to build retirement housing on a former school house site in Winchester has been launched.

Plans to transform the former Kings School House site on Sarum Road with an older people’s housing scheme are set to be unveiled on January 12 at an exhibition held by housebuilder Renaissance Retirement.

The proposals come after the Ringwood-based business secured control of the site following a competitive tender process run by present owners, Hampshire County Council.

The early plans propose the site’s redevelopment with 29 two bedroom apartments for older people, which would be contained in a single three storey building with dedicated parking.

The accommodation would be designed around communal landscaped gardens and a dedicated residents’ communal lounge will also form part of the proposals.

There would also be 38 on-site basement parking spaces and 4 surface level spaces.

The public will be able to see the draft proposals between 4.00pm and 7.00pm on the day at the University of Winchester’s Business School on the West Downs Campus, Romsey Road.

Simon McFarlane, associated planning director at Renaissance Retirement, said: “We’re aware of the housing need in the City and especially, that which exists for accommodation for older people. Given the site’s location, we are also very alive to the need to design a high quality scheme, which is right for Winchester and right for the character of the immediate area.

“We always value community feedback on our proposals and look forward to discussing our plans with local residents at next week’s public exhibition.”

Following the public exhibition, feedback will be taken into account before the plans are finalised and submitted to Winchester City Council.

An application could be made by early February. If the green light is given to the plans, work could start on the development in autumn 2017.