Chartford Homes, in partnership with J Pullan & Sons (Pullans), has completed the redevelopment of the historic 19.5-acre Cookridge Hospital site in North East Leeds.
The mixed-use project incorporates a blend of new family housing and the conversion of three listed buildings, creating a mix of apartments and extra care accommodation for semi-independent living in later life. The final phase of the extensive development is now complete, set among parkland, nature gardens, and woodland walks.
106 affordable homes have been delivered across the site, in partnership with Housing & Care 21, Stonewater, and Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association, providing a mix of tenures to support local housing needs, and the Main Hospital Building has been converted into a mix of 14 houses, 10 apartments and 6 new-build homes for Stonewater Housing Association.
The Ida Wing has been redesigned as a 64-bed Extra Care scheme managed by Housing & Care 21, supporting older residents with high-quality specialist accommodation, while the Arthington Wing is now home to the Lighthouse School, providing specialist education for children with autism.
A further 12 new-build apartments have also been delivered for Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association.
Chris Thompson from Chartford Homes said: “This project has been a complex long-term commitment that required overcoming significant challenges. From restoring derelict, historically important buildings to adapting the project in response to shifting market conditions.
“However, our collaboration with Pullans and the dedication of everyone involved allowed us to transform this site into something truly special. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the final families move into their homes, knowing we’ve created a lasting legacy that blends heritage with much-needed modern housing and community care services.”
Mark Pullan, managing director at Pullans, said: “The quality of the historic buildings attracted us to the site when a national house builder failed to complete the purchase in the financial crisis of 2009. Bringing a new lease of life to the buildings, so long on the Leeds Civic Trust’s heritage at risk register aligns with our interests and values.
“I pay tribute to our regular partners Chartford Homes for their persistence in the management and delivery of this complex project. Adapting to the changing environment, cautiously supported by Leeds planners has, with patience delivered a tremendous result, including an uplift in the land price to the NHS.”
