Work starts on redeveloping former hospital site into new residential development
Building works have now commenced on the redevelopment of a former hospital site into a new residential scheme in Leeds.
The former Cookridge Hospital site is being transformed into 70 new houses, comprising two, three and four bedroom family homes.
The 16-acre site was acquired in a multi-million pound deal by Chartford Homes in 2011. The site was identified for redevelopment after Cookridge Hospital closed in 2008 and transferred its facilities to St James’s Oncology Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
The hospital, built in the 1860s and used for the care of servicemen wounded in the two world wars, featured three main Grade-II listed former hospital properties and two areas totalling around ten acres granted planning permission for new homes.
After the demolition of 1960s modern hospital blocks, the first three phases, totalling 75 family homes, were finished by Chartford Homes in spring 2017 and all sold during construction.
Chartford Homes started work on the final phase of the development last month following negotiations with Leeds City Council planners to enable Chartford to discharge its section 106 planning obligations to find suitable uses for the listed properties after the original buyers pulled out during the banking crisis recession over funding issues.
One listed property, The Robert Arthington Hospital, was occupied by the Lighthouse School charity to relocate its free school in Leeds for young people aged between 11 and 19 with an autistic spectrum condition.
An agreement has now been reached with affordable housing company, Stonewater Housing Group, to take the listed property – the Edward Jackson Wing – to redevelop into 16 rented, and 14 joint ownership, apartments and eight new-build homes.
The other building, known as the Ida Arthington Hospital, has been taken by retirement housing and elderly care company, Housing and Care 21, which is also on site to provide a part refurbishment and major new build extension for around 64 affordable extra care and elderly peoples’ properties.
The government’s housing accelerator, Homes England, made funding contributions to Stonewater Housing Group and Housing and Care 21, and Chartford Homes made a £681,220 schools and education contribution to Leeds City Council, including £83,000 for a new children’s playground.
Chris Thompson, Chartford Homes managing director, said: “This has been a difficult and complex site to organise but with hard work and a positive approach from Leeds City Council, Homes England, and our consultants, we have managed to get two nationally-recognised organisations to transform the historic properties into exciting and socially-valuable schemes so we can deliver the remaining 70 new-build homes.
“Our negotiations required a flexible approach from Leeds City Council planners and conservation teams, Homes England support and significant cash contributions from Chartford Homes to regenerate this historic site sensitively and in line with modern housing needs.
“The result will be an exemplar mixed-refurbishment and new-build scheme that will contribute desperately needed homes to alleviate Leeds’ chronic housing shortage in Leeds.”
