£68m conversion of Gothic asylum completed in less than half allotted time

One of the most ambitious conversion projects ever undertaken in the North West has been completed.

The £68m transformation of Lancaster Moor, a vast Gothic asylum on the edge of Lancaster was scheduled to take 10 years but has been completed in less than half that time by Trafford Park-based developer PJ Livesey.

Combining modern technical skill alongside master craftsmanship, the Grade II-listed building has been transformed into a thriving community of almost 200 homes and is a national exemplar of how to unlock difficult brownfield sites by bringing listed buildings back into use.

PJ Livesey founder and managing director Peter Livesey said: “Lancaster Moor has been a project of significance in so many ways and completing the final phase of build is a landmark for the very many people who have been involved.

“It is a celebration of what has been achieved here, the scale of which should not be underestimated.”

Built in 1882 as an extension to the existing asylum, Lancaster Moor once housed more than 3,000 patients. The building was latterly transferred to the NHS and used as a mainstream hospital and then a local clinic before closing in 1999.

It was shuttered for a decade and at one point demolition was considered as the only option.

In 2011 the site was transferred to the Homes and Communities Agency which then worked with Lancaster City Council and English Heritage to prepare the site for development investing £3m through its Accelerated Land Disposal Programme for enabling and infrastructure works including new access, demolition of redundant outbuildings and asbestos removal.

PJ Livesey was appointed in November 2012 to take on the listed building elements of the 13-acre site with Carlisle-based Story Homes selected to deliver the majority of new build. In total the project has provided 440 homes.

Interest from buyers meant that the project has been completed in less than half the time originally planned as the pace was stepped up to meet demand.

Director Georgina Livesey said: “Agents advised that there was no market for apartments here but from the outset buyers understood the vision about what we could create at Lancaster Moor.

“We consulted widely and developed a strong and trusted working relationship with city council planners, conservation officers and building control staff to ensure things went smoothly.

“Site management of a project of this scale is key with up to a dozen sub contractors on site at any one time. Strict control of health and safety and build standards was crucial and we believe the site managers at Lancaster have been exemplary.

“Everything about Lancaster Moor is unique, its scale, its history and the location, and no two apartments are the same – in effect the teams have built 170 individual properties within the confines of a listed building.”

Ben Carradice and Gemma Ritchie were the first to move in, in August 2014, and Gemma said: “It felt like home from the start and we love living here. It is a very special place and we feel a good investment as well as a really nice place to live. We have no plans to move!”

The conversion also includes the main tower that is now a unique four-storey home with open roof terrace.

Up to 80% of materials on site have been re-cycled and re-used such as the original roof tiles, guttering, original doors and flooring and a stone masonry team was set up on site to re-cut and re-use existing stone.

The building’s exterior, made of a local stone, had to be steam cleaned to preserve its integrity and reveal its original soft pink hue.

The company has a portfolio of 110 listed heritage buildings saved in the last 35 years.

Andrew Dobson, Lancaster City Council’s chief officer (regeneration and planning) said: “This scheme demonstrates what can be achieved with patience, a will to be flexible when the right quality of development and when a clear vision is on offer.

“We point to Lancaster Moor as an exemplar of what can be achieved by companies that are prepared to take an initial risk to deliver the highest quality development and create a sense of place.

“Not only has it brought much needed extra housing and breathed life back into a landmark building, the project has provided a real boost to the local economy.”

That boost will continue with the redevelopment of the neighbouring Moor Park site where construction is now underway on 62 homes, ranging from one- bedroom apartments to five bedroom family homes.

A retail store has been included to serve the revitalised neighbourhood around Quernmore Road.