PJ Livesey picked for Lancaster Moor development

PJ Livesey Group and Story Homes have been awarded contracts worth £67.8m to develop the Lancaster Moor Hospital site.

The 40-acre site, owned by the Homes and Communities Agency, has been earmarked for 440 homes.

Outline planning consent has been granted for new homes and the conversion of the Grade II-listed former hospital into apartments.

Manchester-based PJ Livesey has picked up the conversion brief while Carlisle-based Story will lead the development of the masterplan for the whole site and handle the new build element.

The HCA is investing £3m through its Accelerated Land Disposal Programme to support upgrades to the main access road, the demolition of outbuildings and asbestos removal.

Designed by architect Arnold Kershaw, Lancaster Moor was built in 1882 as an annexe to accommodate mental health patients. More recently it was used by the NHS before closing in 1999. Work is expected to start onsite this month.

Deborah Mclaughlin, North West executive director at the HCA said: “Unlocking publicly-owned sites to speed up the delivery of housing developments is a key priority for the HCA. Selecting preferred development partners for this major public sector site marks a significant milestone in the ongoing regeneration of Lancaster. Having lain empty for a number of years, it’s great that we can now begin to make this an attractive place to live.

“I know that the developers are keen to deliver a scheme that meets the needs and aspirations of local people, creating much needed affordable homes that will have a positive impact on the local community.”  

Georgina Livesey of PJ Livesey said: “As a company we are used to working with listed buildings and can see the potential of Lancaster Moor to become a thriving community in a truly beautiful setting. The building is a local landmark of great presence and scale and has some wonderful features which will be incorporated during the conversion. We are delighted to again be working with the HCA on a project to bring such a magnificent building back into sustainable use.”

Steve Errington, managing director of Story Homes said: “It will see an area which is steeped in history brought back into use to create a quality, high specification development for which we are renowned. As well as regenerating the area and bringing affordable/quality housing, the development will boost the local economy not only in terms of jobs but also the procurement of materials and services from local companies.”