DERELICT land at one of the North-East's special buildings is to be landscaped as part of a major restoration project.

The 300-year-old Grade I-listed Sir William Turner's Hospital at Kirkleatham, Redcar, is at the centre of a £1.6m restoration scheme and half a hectare of adjacent derelict land is to be reclaimed as parkland for use by the local community.

A stream is to be partially culverted and the remainder made into a water feature, woodland will be managed and walks will be laid out to provide an exercise area for the elderly residents and recreation for the local community. The project is expected to cost about £24,000.

For more than 300 years, Sir William Turner's Hospital, otherwise known as Kirkleatham Almshouses, has provided sheltered housing for up to 20 people in need, and a further ten who have retired.

Peter Sotheran, chairman of the board of trustees, said: "Losing their personal independence is one of the greatest fears of elderly people. At Kirkleatham, they live their own lives in their own cottages and flats without any fear of becoming institutionalised."

The complex scheme has had a contribution of £815,000 but there is extra expense because of the historic and architectural importance of the building.

Architect John Wade said: "A standard replacement door might cost £50. We must provide joiner-made replicas of the original doors at about £250 each, and there are more than 80 doors."

The Heritage Lottery Fund has contributed more than 60 per cent of the additional cost and a major landfill operator on Teesside has committed £30,000 to the heritage aspects of the project.

But there remains a shortfall of more than £100,000.

Companies wishing to be associated with the project can contact Mr Sotheran on (01642) 490401