Work began this week on creating 120 homes on a York site with 230 years of history.
Heritage developer the PJ Livesey Group has started work on the transformation of The Retreat, the former pioneering Quaker mental health facility
It will be turned into a new community of homes, green spaces and converted historic buildings.
Set within 37 acres, The Retreat on Heslington Road will be turned into 120 homes, both converted from the old hospital buildings and newly built.
Opened in 1796, The Retreat was established in response to cruel treatment practices of the time, becoming a world-renowned for its humane approach to mental health care.
More than 230 years later, the Grade II listed buildings will be converted into 84 apartments, with the remainder new build.
Phase one of the project will focus on the north-east section of the estate, delivering:
- eight one to three-bedroom conversion homes within Garrow Hill House and surrounding historic buildings
- 13 newly built three to five-bedroom homes with eco features.
Managing director at PJ Livesey Georgina Lynch said: “The Retreat is rich in history, architectural significance, and emotional connection.
“We’ve been immersed in the story and structure of this site since it first came to our attention, and we’re incredibly proud to be entrusted with its next chapter.
“We know just how much this site means to the city, and our aim is to honour that legacy through respectful, design-led restoration – delivering not just exceptional homes, but a historic haven; a true sanctuary for modern living inspired by the past.”
In-patient services closed at The Retreat in 2018 and new centres for outpatients were established elsewhere.
Over the summer, a series of community-focused events will take place at the site. Organised by PJ Livesey, they will offer people “the chance to reconnect with The Retreat’s remarkable history”.
This autumn, preview events will begin with the first opportunity to reserve properties off-plan.
Prospective buyers – or those simply interested in the site’s history – are encouraged to register their interest by emailing sales@theretreat-york.co.uk, where they can specify if they’d like updates on sales, or cultural and historical events.