Welcoming Historic England to The Retreat
We were proud to open our doors to the HE team, who joined us to explore the grounds and original buildings.
28
July, 2025
Last week, we welcomed representatives from Historic England (HE) to The Retreat in York – a special occasion that allowed us to reflect on our rich history, the legacy of compassionate care, and the importance of preserving that heritage for future generations.
The visit was part of Historic England’s ongoing commitment to recognising and protecting places that have shaped the nation’s social and cultural landscape.
We were proud to open our doors to the HE team, who joined us to explore the grounds and original buildings.
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.”