Member Article

Chartford Homes starts final phase of 70 new homes at former Cookridge Hospital site

Building work has started on 70 new houses on the former Cookridge Hospital site, Leeds, in the final phase of the biggest ever scheme by Leeds-based Chartford Homes.

The two, three and four bedroom family homes on the 16-acre hospital site acquired in a multi-million pound deal by Chartford Homes in 2011 are expected to be available this autumn.

The site was identified for redevelopment after Cookridge Hospital closed in 2008 and transferred its facilities to St James’s Oncology Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

The hospital, built in the 1860s and used for the care of serviceman wounded in the two 20th century world wars, featured three main historic, Grade II listed former hospital properties and two areas totalling around ten acres granted planning permission for new homes.

After the demolition of unsightly 1960s modern hospital blocks, the first three phases, totalling 75 family homes, were finished by Chartford Homes in spring 2017 and all sold during construction.

An 18-month hiatus before Chartford Homes started the final phase last month (March) involved lengthy negotiations with Leeds City Council planners to enable Chartford to discharge its section 106 planning obligations to find suitable uses for the listed properties after the original buyers pulled out during the banking crisis recession over funding issues.

One listed property, The Robert Arthington Hospital, was quickly occupied by the Lighthouse School charity to relocate its free school in Leeds for young people aged between 11 and 19 with an autistic spectrum condition.

Now agreement has been reached with affordable housing company, Stonewater Housing Group, to take one listed property, often called the Edward Jackson Wing, in a major refurbishment now on site to create 16 rented, and 14 joint ownership, apartments and eight new-build homes due to complete by June 2020.

The other major building, known as the Ida Arthington Hospital, has been taken by retirement housing and elderly care company, Housing and Care 21, which is also on site to provide a part refurbishment and major new build extension for around 64 affordable extra care and elderly peoples’ properties.

The government’s housing accelerator, Homes England, made funding contributions to Stonewater Housing Group and Housing and Care 21 and Chartford Homes made a £681,220 schools and education contribution to Leeds City Council, including £83,000 for a new children’s playground.

Chartford Homes managing director, Chris Thompson, said: “This has been a difficult and complex site to organise but with hard work and a positive approach from Leeds City Council, Homes England, and our consultants, we have managed to get two nationally-recognised organisations to transform the historic properties into exciting and socially-valuable schemes so we can deliver the remaining 70 new-build homes.

“Our negotiations required a flexible approach from Leeds City Council planners and conservation teams, Homes England support and significant cash contributions from Chartford Homes to regenerate this historic site sensitively and in line with modern housing needs.

“The result will be an exemplar mixed-refurbishment and new-build scheme that will contribute desperately needed homes to alleviate Leeds’ chronic housing shortage in Leeds.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mike Clarke Communications .