Historic Cookridge Hospital in Leeds reborn as vibrant new community
A 20-year project to redevelop a historic hospital site into new homes and a specialist school has completed.
Chartford Homes, in partnership with J Pullan & Sons (Pullans), has completed work on the 19.5-acre former Cookridge Hospital site in North East Leeds, located six miles from the city centre.
The mixed-use project features new family housing and the conversion of three listed buildings, creating a mix of apartments and extra care accommodation for semi-independent living in later life. The final phase of 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; and the main hospital building converted into a mix of 14 houses, 10 apartments and six new-build homes for Stonewater Housing Association.
A further 12 new-build apartments delivered for Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association.
In addition, the Ida Wing has been redesigned as a 64-bed extra care scheme managed by Housing & Care 21 and the Arthington Wing is now home to the Lighthouse School, which provides specialist education for autistic children.
Beyond the physical redevelopment, the former hospital site has generated 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.
This has helped to address the shortage of affordable housing in the Leeds area and fostering a diverse and inclusive community.
The redevelopment by Chartford Arthington, a joint venture between Chartford Homes and Pullans reflects a long-term commitment to transforming and safeguarding historic buildings while meeting local housing and community needs. The project included restoring derelict listed buildings, demolishing outdated hospital additions, and delivering diverse residential and community facilities.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."
Mark Pullan, managing director at Pullans, added: "The quality of the historic buildings attracted us to the site when a national house builder 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."