Looking Ahead

We were delighted to host York Unlocked at The Retreat and are grateful to the volunteers who made the day possible. While this event was part of the city’s wider programme, we are planning our own series of heritage and engagement events, curated by our Events & Engagement Officer, Lucy South, to continue opening up the site to the community.

As development progresses, more areas of The Retreat will be revealed, offering new opportunities to explore and connect with its story.

The Future of The Retreat

The Retreat is now undergoing a transformation. The estate is being sensitively reshaped into a community of 120 characterful heritage homes, steeped in history and retaining many original features. Alongside these, a number of sustainably designed new homes will be created to sit perfectly within their historic surroundings – ensuring this unique site continues to play a role in York’s story for generations to come.

Be Part of the Next Chapter

Our next event will be the October Exclusive VIP Property Preview, offering a first look at this exciting new chapter for The Retreat, York.

👉 Register here to secure your place

You can also sign up to hear about future heritage and community events, so you don’t miss the chance to explore more of this remarkable site.

Hannah Saxton, Stakeholder Engagement Adviser at Historic England. Said: “From the Georgian architecture in the Recreation Hall to the quiet gardens designed to foster calm and recovery, the spirit of the founding Quakers is still very much alive here. The Retreat’s pioneering approach to mental health care changed the way people were treated – not just medically, but as human beings. It was a privilege to see how PJ Livesey Group is planning to protect its legacy as part of their development”

Georgina Livesey, Managing Director for PJ Livesey said: “As proud custodians, we’re developing the site into a unique residential community, comprising of approximately 120 homes, delivered through a combination of conversions and carefully designed newly built homes. Throughout this journey we’re making every effort to balance heritage conservation with progress. Our vision is to preserve the character of The Retreat while bringing new life and purpose to the space. Working in partnership with Historic England ensures that we honour its remarkable legacy while shaping a sustainable future.”

The visit offered everyone present a rare moment to connect personally with the origins of their work.

Julie Hulme, who is leading on the Centenary at JRF said: “it is the simplicity of the burial ground that is so special. Joseph Rowntree was a man with big ideas ahead of his time, who achieved so much in his lifetime, yet his grave is the same as all the other quakers buried there. It is humbling to see it. I think we all felt a great sense of responsibility to continue his mission – although he would be so disappointed to see that we are still at it 100 years on. “

Lucy South, Heritage Events and Engagement Manager for PJ Livesey Holdings Limited said: “As the new owners of The Retreat, the onus is on us to ensure we’re being thoughtful custodians of the burial ground that forms part of the site, it’s a very special place. Welcoming colleagues to Joseph Rowntree’s graveside and seeing them appreciate its deep historical significance was a true privilege.”