PJ Livesey unveils Lancaster Moor conversion
THE first phase of new homes in the former Lancaster Moor Hospital will be unveiled this weekend, 12 months after restoration work started on the Grade II-listed building.
Manchester-based conservation developer, the PJ Livesey Group, is converting the building into 170 apartments around a central courtyard.
Of the first phase of 21 units in the central hall and west wing, 19 have already been reserved off-plan.
Peter Livesey, founder and chairman of the group, said: “This is a significant milestone in the redevelopment of Lancaster Moor, when we reveal to the public what we have been able to achieve here.
“It has taken a lot of determined effort on all sides but it is always incredibly rewarding to bring life back to a building that otherwise faced ruin.”
The Government’s Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) invested £3m to unlock a £70m development of the 40-acre site. Carlisle-based Story Homes is to build 440 houses in the grounds.
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.
North West HCA director Deborah McLaughlin said: “The restoration and conversion of Lancaster Moor annexe is hugely significant. It’s a great demonstration of a public and private partnership that has unlocked an important site that had been shuttered for a decade. Over the last few years, we’ve arrested its decline and prepared it for redevelopment.
“The PJ Livesey Group is using high levels of craftsmanship to create stunning, high-quality homes that will really add to the Lancaster market.”
PJ Livesey employs 150 people at its Trafford Park base where it also manufactures bespoke windows, kitchens and bedrooms for its developments.
