Multiple contracts won for new housing scheme on York historic brewing site

Part of York’s historic brewing heritage is set to be transformed into one of Yorkshire’s newest housing schemes.

A former malting house, Clementhorpe Maltings, which has been disused since the 1960s, is being developed into family housing by York-based developer Northminster Ltd.

The 19th century malting house, one of only a handful remaining in the country, is being converted into six family townhouses in a £2m regeneration scheme backed by City of York planners.

The refurbishment contract, which will keep the original structure, has been awarded to Croft Farm Construction, and is scheduled to complete in late autumn.

Property and construction consultants LHL Group Ltd, also based in York, has been appointed to manage the construction for Northminster Ltd.

Tadcaster Tower Brewery Company, which was formed in 1882 with the amalgamation of three local breweries, is known to have used the 10,000 sq ft maltings house from 1895 until the late 1950s.

Although derelict for half a century, the former maltings house is intact and part of Croft Farm Construction’s work will be to salvage what remains of the historic brewing technology including a cast iron steep, a corn-dressing machine, double-bucket elevator, a large hopper for storing grain and a kiln furnace.

Other original historic features such as timber trusses, malt bin doors and steel mesh used on the floors of the drying room are to be re-used as design features within the development.

Four of the townhouses will have three bedrooms while two will have two bedrooms. As the ground ‘growing’ floors on the former malting house are only 5ft 4ins high, the design by Leeds’ COG Architecture divides the property vertically, rather than horizontally, and all the houses will be three storeys tall with the added benefit of basement storage.

Alastair Gill, Northminster Ltd development surveyor, said: “Clementhorpe Maltings is a fascinating building. We’re pleased that our scheme is underway and will create a new era for part of York’s industrial heritage as well as providing badly-needed, characterful homes close to amenities in one of the city’s best loved streets.

“Croft Farm Construction was chosen for its heritage and salvage work expertise and, with the support of LHL Group, this will be an innovative scheme with modern facilities but an historic feel which the city can be proud of.”

Phil Gledall, director of Croft Farm Construction, added: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract for this prestigious development which will draw on our expertise of working with listed buildings and we look forward to developing a mutually-beneficial relationship with Northminster.”