A First Look at The Retreat, York

10

July 2026

A First Look

at The Retreat, York

There’s always a moment in every development when the vision starts to become reality and at The Retreat, York, we’re delighted to be approaching that milestone.

Behind the scenes, our team have been hard at work preparing our first show home, bringing together the thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship and attention to detail that define every PJ Livesey development.

We can’t wait to welcome pre-registered clients through the doors later this summer for an exclusive preview.

First Reservations Taken

From the very beginning, The Retreat has attracted significant interest and we’re delighted to announce that we’ve now taken the first reservations within our Phase One release of newly built homes.

It’s a wonderful response to a beautiful development that combines contemporary living with one of York’s most historic and distinctive settings and we’re looking forward to sharing even more of the transformation over the coming months.

Be Amongst the First to Visit

Our upcoming Show Home Preview Event will offer an exclusive opportunity to experience The Retreat before it officially opens to the wider public at the National Launch later in the Summer.

If you’d like to be amongst the first to explore this remarkable development and receive an invitation to our exclusive preview event, we’d love to hear from you. Register your interest and be part of the next chapter in The Retreat’s story.

A Prize with a Purpose

26

June 2026

A Prize with a Purpose

Celebrating Portsmouth’s People and Community

As part of the Portsmouth 100 celebrations at this year’s Picnic in the Park, we wanted to do something that celebrated the city’s rich history and it’s people.

Our ‘Guess Who’ competition challenged visitors to identify 10 famous faces from Portsmouth, with the chance to win a hamper filled with locally sourced treats. It proved to be a real hit, with more than 50 people taking part throughout the day and plenty of friendly competition along the way.

We’re delighted to congratulate our winner, Lucy – Fundraising Administrator at The Elizabeth Foundation.

Winners Choice

What made Lucy’s win even more special was discovering that the hamper will now support the charity’s upcoming Summer Fayre raffle, helping to raise funds for the incredible work they do with young deaf children and their families.

The Elizabeth Foundation provides specialist support to help young deaf children develop listening and language skills, giving them the best possible start in life – Find Out More Here >

Knowing that our competition prize will now contribute to such an important cause is something we’re incredibly proud of.

The Heart

Community has always been at the heart of what we do, and events like Picnic in the Park are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the places where we work and the people who make them so special.

We’ll soon be visiting The Elizabeth Foundation at their centre within QA Hospital to learn more about the incredible support they provide and we’re looking forward to sharing more about their work.

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by our stand, took part in the competition and helped make the day such a success. It was a fantastic way to celebrate Portsmouth’s centenary, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s event.

A New Chapter

26

May 2026

A New Chapter

Begins for Chorlton

Every great regeneration project starts with change, and we’re pleased to be taking the next step in bringing our vision for the former Chorlton Cross Shopping Centre to life.

As preparations get underway, the site will begin its transformation into a vibrant new neighbourhood that reflects the character of Chorlton while creating new opportunities for the future.

Preparing the Site

Over the coming months, demolition work will begin following the closure of the precinct car park and the installation of new site hoardings. To ensure the safety of local residents and visitors, the pedestrian and vehicle route between Manchester Road and Nicolas Road will also close for the duration of the works.

Demolition will be carried out by our specialist contractor, SJ Walchester, and is expected to be completed by August.

We understand that work of this nature can cause temporary disruption and would like to thank the local community for their continued patience and support. We’ll continue to provide regular updates as the project progresses.

The Future Is Bright

Working in partnership with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund and Southway Housing Trust, we’re creating a new neighbourhood that will deliver 262 new homes, including 53 affordable homes, with 49 available for social rent.

Alongside new homes, our plans include attractive public spaces, up to 60 new trees, flexible retail units and a dedicated Makers Yard, providing opportunities for independent businesses and helping to create a lively destination for the wider community.

Investing in Chorlton’s Future

This is an exciting milestone for the project and an important step towards creating a place that people will be proud to call home.

We’re looking forward to seeing the transformation take shape and to continuing our conversations with the local community as Chorlton’s next chapter unfolds.

Heritage Living Reimagined

11

February 2026

Heritage Living Reimagined

The response has been outstanding

Kings Gate, Macclesfield is a truly exceptional development where history, heritage and contemporary living come together seamlessly. Set in a prime location, this thoughtfully restored scheme has transformed the former King’s School into an elegant collection of homes that honour the past while embracing modern design.

A Development with History

The site, formerly known as King’s School, holds an important place in Macclesfield’s architectural heritage. Two substantial historic buildings have been carefully restored and converted into an exclusive range of mews homes and apartments, alongside the beautifully renovated Gatehouse at the entrance.

The Gateway of Remembrance – commissioned in memory of former pupils lost in the Second World War – have been restored and re-erected on the edge of the former cricket field creating a grand sense of arrival.

Every detail has been considered to preserve the character of the original structures while introducing high-quality finishes and contemporary layouts suited to modern lifestyles.

A Thriving New Community

The response to King’s Gate has been outstanding.

Phase I and II which featured a collection of newly built homes and beautifully restored heritage buildings have been completely sold, with homeowners now settled and enjoying life within this distinctive and character-rich setting.

The final phase – comprising of six newly built energy-efficient mews homes and thirteen apartments – has also seen strong demand. With all but thee properties now reserved, the opportunity to join this exclusive development is quickly drawing to a close.

This is now your final chance to secure a home within this prestigious development.

Watch our twilight update video below

The Final Three Homes Available

Plot 102, Show Apartment – Priced at £374,950
A beautifully designed two bedroom first floor apartment featuring, private balcony, dual-aspect living/dining room with German engineered kitchen. This property also includes two parking spaces with EV charging.

Penthouse 302, Duplex Show Home – Priced at £599,950
An impressive three bedroom duplex penthouse offers exceptional space and specification including two private roof terraces, an expansive living/dining/family room with high-specification German engineered Nobilia kitchen. There are also three generous double bedrooms, two featuring en-suites. This property also includes two parking spaces with EV charging.

Watch video tour below.

The Dobson, Mews Show Home – Priced at £549,950
An exceptional four bedroom, three storey energy efficient Mews home with dedicated parking for two vehicles and EV charging. This stunning property offers bright and spacious living/dining area, bespoke kitchen and flexible top floor space with roof terrace and utility room. Also includes private garden, solar panels, triple glazing and A-rated EPC.

Watch video tour below

A Rare Opportunity

With only three properties remaining, King’s Gate represents a rare opportunity to become part of an established and sought-after development in Macclesfield. The remaining properties include carpets, lighting and blinds*. Blending restored heritage architecture, new energy efficient homes, premium German-engineered kitchens and a prime location, King’s Gate offers something truly special.

Go Green and Save Money at Parbold

21

November 2024

Go Green

Saving you money at Parbold

We are thrilled to introduce The Retreat, an inspiring new P J Livesey project that combines the thoughtful conversion of the historic Notre Dame convent site in Parbold Lancashire with a collection of stunning, newly built eco-friendly homes nestled within its grounds. This unique development blends heritage and sustainability, preserving the character of the original buildings while introducing cutting-edge, energy-efficient technologies that respect and enhance their surroundings.

Sustainability Through Repurposing

Converting the existing heritage buildings at The Retreat is inherently sustainable, as it maximizes the use of existing materials and reduces the need for new resources. This approach not only preserves architectural charm and history but also avoids the carbon footprint associated with demolition and new construction. These conversions seamlessly integrate modern efficiency with the timeless elegance of the original structures, delivering character-filled homes that meet today’s environmental standards.

Eco-Friendly New Builds Sympathetic to Heritage Grounds

The high specification newly built homes at The Retreat are designed with both sustainability and the natural beauty of the site in mind. These homes sit harmoniously within the historic grounds, complimenting their surroundings while leading the way in energy efficiency.

Energy Production

Solar Panels: Newly built homes feature solar panels, enabling homeowners to generate renewable electricity on-site.

Battery Storage Options: Buyers can opt to upgrade to advanced battery systems, storing energy for later use, further reducing reliance on the grid and lowering energy bills.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Points: Each new home includes an EV charging point, preparing residents for a greener future as the shift to electric cars accelerates.

Energy Retention

Triple-Glazed Windows: These high-performance windows ensure warmth in winter, coolness in summer, and a significant reduction in noise pollution.

Advanced Insulation: Both new builds and converted properties are equipped with premium insulation, ensuring a steady indoor temperature with minimal energy use.

Efficient Equipment

A-Rated Energy Performance: Every newly built home at The Retreat boasts an A-rated EPC, reflecting their top-tier energy efficiency.

Low-Flow Taps & Heat Recovery: Innovative features like low-flow fixtures and smart wastewater heat recovery systems minimize water and energy wastage.

State-of-the-Art Appliances: Superior appliances and heating systems help reduce energy costs while maintaining a luxurious living environment.

Modern Comfort Meets Timeless Elegance
Whether you choose a bespoke new build or a thoughtfully converted historic home, you’ll benefit from modern comforts without sacrificing character. Our conversions transform period properties into energy-efficient homes, while preserving the charm of 19th-century architecture.

Don’t miss the chance to live in a 21st-century home steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty. Register your interest below and take the first step towards a tranquil and sustainable lifestyle at The Retreat.

Strengthening Partnerships with Homes England

30

October 2024

Strengthening Partnerships

Expanding Horizons with Homes England

Our team recently welcomed Homes England to Green Walk Standish, a picturesque site that represents both our dedication to heritage restoration and the transformative potential of our partnership with Homes England.

The site tour was an invaluable opportunity to showcase our vision for sustainable development and discuss ways to strengthen our ongoing collaboration on future projects.

In June 2024, we were delighted to be appointed as a trusted partner on Homes England’s Delivery Partner Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). As one of the largest residential land vendors in the uk, Homes England’s DPS offers us unique access to bid on valuable land across the country, so this partnership is a major milestone for us, reinforcing our dedication to quality, sustainable development.

Our discussions with Homes England during their visit emphasised our shared mission to meet the 2025 housing targets through thoughtful design and sustainable practices.

We’re excited about the road ahead and the potential to bring new life to even more sites. Our expertise in restoration and brownfield regeneration has resulted in some of the most unique developments nationwide, from revitalizing historic sites to creating modern, sustainable homes. Projects with Homes England to date include:

The Residence, Dartford, Wharfedale Park, The Residence, Lancaster and Green Walk, Standish.

Each of these developments reflects our commitment to delivering sustainable, high-quality housing that respects the past whilst also building for the future.

For a closer look at our work with Homes England, watch our short film.

If you have a suitable site with similar potential, contact our land and estates team to discuss opportunities to create exceptional homes together.