by The P J Livesey Team | Sep 1, 2025
What’s to come
After an extensive consultation with Historic England, City of York Council and local stakeholders, proposals by The PJ Livesey Group were approved for the sensitive redevelopment of the site that balanced preservation with progress.
The Retreat is currently being reimagined as a unique residential community, comprising of approximately 120 homes, delivered through a combination of conversions and carefully designed newly built homes.
Access to previously closed green spaces will be carefully managed, ensuring the preservation of the site’s tranquillity and ecological sensitivity, while offering meaningful enjoyment for residents and select community engagement.
by The P J Livesey Team | Sep 1, 2025
The Retreat closes its doors
In 2017, the board took special advice and reluctantly had to accept that continuing the inpatient specialist hospital service would never now be either financially or clinically sound and in December 2018, it withdrew from inpatient care. The main buildings closed in 2018 as services were rationalised to offer more modern provision elsewhere in the city.
by The P J Livesey Team | Sep 1, 2025
The retreat grounds
A new orchard was planted in 2011/12 and there is again a renewed interest in growing vegetables.
A large range of varied sporting activities have taken place over the years on the grounds. Cricket has been popular for much of The Retreat’s history and was still being played at this time.
by The P J Livesey Team | Sep 1, 2025
The 20th century
The Retreat retained its independence by not joining the NHS but then faced problems with funding. Regrettably, it became an institution which could only cater for the needs of the very wealthy. There was a commitment to reform The Retreat which meant opening its doors to people based on need rather than personal income. Towards the end of its time as a psychiatric hospital, the majority of patients were funded by the NHS.
by The P J Livesey Team | Jun 4, 2025
Moment to remember
On Friday 29th February 1952 the Gloster Meteor, Britain’s first jet fighter aircraft, crashed into the Recreation Hall whilst the tail of the aircraft broke off and landed in the Quaker burial ground which sits within the estate. By chance no-one beside the pilot (John Paterson) was killed impacting just metres away from the male ward.
