The Quakers have selected PJ Livesey Group as developer for the 12-acre former psychiatric hospital, the Retreat, in York.
The property on Heslington Road features 132,000 sq ft of Grade II listed property, including the 115,000 sq ft main buildings, which the York Quakers opened in 1976 as a private mental health facility.
The Retreat closed in 2018 and the site was brought to market last year as part if a wider reconfiguration of services in the North West.
The Retreat was marketed as a conversion opportunity, with bids expected in the region of £10m. The sale does not include all buildings, as some services will continue.
PJ Livesey intends to redevelop the property as residential. The refurbishment specialist will provide affordable housing and public realm enhancements to the site.
The Manchester-based company has four decades of experience converting heritage buildings, including the Terry’s Chocolate factory in York. PJ Livesey is now in formal contract negotiations with the Retreat’s board of trustees and will soon launch a pre-planning consultation ahead of submitting a planning application in 2022.
David Robson, chair of the board, said: “During the selection process we were particularly impressed with PJ Livesey Group’s track record in developing similarly iconic buildings and their commitment to working with us to involve the local community in the development of the parts of our estate that will remain accessible for public use.
“Protecting the Quaker legacy of the site and providing facilities which benefit local people and our local communities has always been uppermost in our considerations.”
Savills advised the Quakers.
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