HISTORIC COOKRIDGE HOSPITAL REDEVELOPED INTO VIBRANT NEW LEEDS COMMUNITY

Thursday November 27, 2025

A landmark redevelopment in North East Leeds has reached completion, transforming the former Cookridge Hospital into a thriving residential community. Led by Chartford Homes in partnership with Pullans, the 19.5-acre site has undergone a multi-phase regeneration to bring new housing, community services and life back to a historically significant location just six miles from the city centre.

The ambitious mixed-use development delivers a blend of family homes, apartment living and specialist extra care accommodation. Central to the scheme is the sensitive conversion of three listed hospital buildings, now carefully restored and repurposed for modern use while retaining their original heritage features. Set within established parkland and connected by nature gardens and woodland trails, the community enjoys an attractive green environment with a strong sense of place and identity.

A New Chapter for a Historic Leeds Landmark

The redevelopment marks a major milestone for the former hospital site, which has been transformed over several years into a diverse and inclusive neighbourhood. Key achievements include:

  • 159 new homes in total, delivered across several build phases

  • 106 affordable homes provided in partnership with Housing & Care 21, Stonewater and Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association

  • Conversion of the Main Hospital Building into 14 houses, 10 apartments and 6 additional new-build homes for Stonewater

  • Redevelopment of the Ida Wing as a 64-bed Extra Care scheme operated by Housing & Care 21, providing high-quality later-life accommodation

  • The Arthington Wing now home to the Lighthouse School, supporting children with autism with dedicated specialist education provision

  • 12 new-build apartments created for Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association

Alongside its housing and community benefits, the project has delivered over £680,000 in Section 106 contributions, supporting education provision and children’s play facilities in Leeds.

A Joint Venture Built on Preservation, Progress and Community

The transformation has been delivered by Chartford Arthington — a joint venture between Chartford Homes and Pullans — with a commitment to safeguarding heritage, providing much-needed new housing and investing in local infrastructure.

Reflecting on the journey, Chris Thompson of 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.”