From massive waterside regeneration projects to the transformation of a former mental institution, these are developments with a difference.
Yorkshire is always changing, transforming and improving. Thanks to its unique blend of heritage, industry and natural beauty, God’s Own County has so much to offer aspiring homebuyers. There’s an absolute abundance of brilliant places to live, but these are a handful of truly unique developments that are currently in the works across Yorkshire. Which one catches your eye the most?
The Retreat, York
Credit: PJ Livesey
Found right in the heart of York, this is one property development with a fascinating past. The Retreat is a Grade-II listed estate dating back to the 18th century when it was founded by philanthropist and Quaker, William Tuke.
It formerly served as a mental institution, breaking ground in its approach to mental health support. Now the extensive 36 acres are being thoughtfully developed into a new community that will comprise of 120 heritage homes, along with newly built, sustainable homes, and plenty of green spaces, including a Peace and Tranquility garden. With its enviable location just a short walking distance from York city centre, it’s an incredible place to lay down roots.
The Retreat, Heslington Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO10 5BN.
Attercliffe Waterside, Sheffield
Credit: Citu
The area of Attercliffe in Sheffield has a rich past, being developed back in the mid 19th-century and serving as a heartland for the city’s steelwork industry. Today – four decades since councillors first discussed plans – its potential is finally being unlocked with an ambitious mixed use development.
The project will see 23 acres of brownfield land around the Sheffield and Tinsley canal transformed to include 1,000 new zero-carbon homes. The initial stage will see award-winning developer Citu create 362 of those homes, which will be well linked to Sheffield centre by foot, bike or even kayak. The scheme has lofty ambitions to be among the UK’s largest zero carbon communities, and features commercial building, arts and leisure facilities, and public spaces.
Attercliffe Waterside, Attercliffe, Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
East Bank Urban Village, Hull
Credit: ECF – a collaboration between L&G, Homes England, and Muse
Another waterside development bringing exquisite homes to Yorkshire is East Bank Urban Village in Hull. Located opposite the old town, the regeneration project will be developed across 15 years, boasting 850 high-quality homes that will change brownfield land on the River Hull into a bustling new urban village.
The scheme will also see the development of other infrastructure, including commercial spaces and an interconnected network of plazas, streets and new public green spaces. All this will add up to a fantastic and family-friendly mixed use space that breathes new life into the once neglected riverside location – and acts as a catalyst for further investment into Hull.
East Bank Urban Village, East Bank, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire.
York Central, York
Stretching for 45 hectares, York Central is one of the largest city centre regeneration schemes in the whole of the UK. The project will take underused land on a former industrial area that sits between the National Railway Museum and York station, and turn it into a brand new distinctive quarter.
The valuable city centre area will be renewed into a vibrant community and neighbourhood, featuring 2,500 new homes and more than one million square feet of commercial and retail space. Design plans incorporate two new Civic Squares, the world-class Railway Museum, and a modern 200-bed hotel, alongside extensive park and cultural spaces. The project is estimated to be completed in 2035 and will create 6,500 new jobs.
York Central, York, North Yorkshire.
Kirkstall Forge, Leeds
This development will add a new chapter to Kirkstall Forge’s impressive story. It’s the longest continually used industrial site in the country and its heritage stretches back to the 12th century, when it worked to produce steel bars and vehicle axles, before closing back in 2003.
The 57-acre site is now set to be a sustainability-led community with exciting plans that include homes, offices and retail and leisure facilities, such as playgrounds and a gym. A dedicated train station makes it possible to get to the centre of Leeds in just six minutes, while the river footpath will be extended and exercise trails connected to the surrounding woodland.
Kirkstall Forge, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3BF.
Cover image credit: PJ Livesey
