Partners finish Cookridge Hospital redevelopment
Chartford Homes and J Pullan & Sons have completed work on the 19.5 acre scheme in north-east Leeds, which features more than 150 homes, an extra care facility and a specialist school.
Six miles from Leeds city centre, the mixed-use project features a blend of new family housing and the conversion of three listed buildings, offering a mix of apartments and extra care accommodation for semi-independent living in later life.
The final phase of the extensive development is now complete, set among parkland, nature gardens, and woodland walks.
Key aspects of the redevelopment include:
- 159 new homes in total, completing a multi-phase transformation of the former hospital site.
- 106 affordable homes delivered across the site, in partnership with Housing & Care 21, Stonewater, and Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association, providing a mix of tenures to support local housing needs.
- The main hospital building converted into a mix of 14 market-sale houses, 10 apartments and 6 new-build homes for Stonewater Housing Association.
- The Ida Wing redesigned as a 64-bed extra care scheme managed by Housing & Care 21.
- The Arthington Wing is now home to the Lighthouse School, providing specialist education for children with autism.
- A further 12 new-build apartments have been delivered for Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association.
The development has generated more than over £680,000 in community benefit contributions through the Section 106 Agreement, supporting education provision in Leeds and the creation of new children’s play facilities..
Chartford Arthington has been the vehicle for development, a joint venture between Chartford Homes and Pullans. The project included restoring derelict listed buildings, demolishing outdated hospital additions, and delivering diverse residential and community facilities.
Chris Thompson from Chartford Homes said: “This project has been a complex long-term commitment that required overcoming significant challenges. From restoring derelict, historically important buildings to adapting the project in response to shifting market conditions.
“However, our collaboration with Pullans and the dedication of everyone involved allowed us to transform this site into something truly special. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the final families move into their homes, knowing we’ve created a lasting legacy that blends heritage with much-needed modern housing and community care services.”
Housing known as The Park was developed. Credit: Pullans
This has been a long journey, dating from the failure of a national housebuilder to follow through on plans advanced prior to the global credit crunch some 16 years ago.
Cookridge closed as a hospital in 2007, its functions moving to St James’s in the city centre.
Mark Pullan, managing director at Pullans, said: “The quality of the historic buildings attracted us to the site when a national housebuilder failed to complete the purchase in the financial crisis of 2009. Bringing a new lease of life to the buildings, so long on the Leeds Civic Trust’s ‘heritage at risk’ register, aligns with our interests and values.
“I pay tribute to our regular partners Chartford Homes for their persistence in the management and delivery of this complex project. Adapting to the changing environment, cautiously supported by Leeds planners has, with patience delivered a tremendous result, including an uplift in the land price to the NHS.”
The Arthington Wing houses a school for autistic pupils. Credit: Pullans
