Robert Napier, Chair of the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), believes that Lancaster Moor is an "amazing scheme in a great location", after visiting the former psychiatric hospital.
The prominent landmark and historic Grade II listed building closed in 1999 and can be seen off the M6 motorway. Land owners HCA have invested £3m of Accelerated Land Disposal funding into the 15.76 ha site, which has outline planning permission for up to 440 homes.
Robert and Deborah McLaughlin, HCA Executive Director North West, were escorted on the tour by developer Story Homes and restoration specialists P J Livesey, who are restoring and redeveloping the site.
Carlisle-based Story Homes received full planning consent in May to build 197 new homes in the parkland area, which will support the conversion of the listed building and adjacent Campbell House into a mix of 135 apartments and townhouses.
A programme of essential works, including demolition of the outbuildings, removal of asbestos and treatment of dry rot, were funded by Government to accelerate the site’s development. These were completed in March 2013 and have now safeguarded the future of these important buildings and will support the construction of vitally needed new homes. Conditional development agreements have been signed with both developers with work on the new build and conversion expected to start in July 2013.
Robert Napier, Chair of the HCA, said: “This is an amazing scheme in a great location. It’s good to see that these old buildings are being restored and that, working with specialists, we are unlocking the site to create new homes.”
Deborah McLaughlin, HCA Executive Director, said: “This is a great scheme in a leafy area, close to the centres of population. We have other developments like this in the North West and one being Whittingham Hospital in Preston. It’s good to see projects come back to life and this is a very positive scheme for the HCA.”
