Yorkshire developer begins major property scheme on historic York convent

A disused 19th century convent is to be transformed into modern homes in York.

Developer, Northminster Ltd is to convert two historic, Grade II-listed buildings at the former St Joseph’s Convent, Lawrence Street, into apartments and has appointed Elvington Park Building Services Limited to deliver the scheme.

Norminster’s latest scheme, backed by City of York planners in August 2018, will transform two Gothic Revival style buildings, The Lodge, built in 1875 and the Extern House, which dates from 1874, which have lain empty for six years, into modern homes which will offer buyers the first chance to purchase the properties in 150 years.

Northminster development surveyor, Alastair Gill, said: “It is a huge privilege to once again be working on such beautiful, historic buildings in York and our scheme aims to retain as much as we can of the serene and communal nature of the original properties.

“We are excited to be providing high-quality, unique, homes for people seeking something different and to have appointed Elvington Park Building Services Limited for such an important scheme.”

St Joseph’s Convent was founded in 1864 by a group of sisters who came from a convent in Bruges, Belgium. The buildings were designed by local Roman Catholic architect, George Goldie, and built between 1870 and 1875.

Elvington Park Building Services’ director, Jamie Dudding, added: “We have a successful record in renovating period listed properties and are excited to be able to transform the St Joseph’s site into desirable living space.

“This is our first project with Northminster and we are looking forward to delivering a fantastic development.”

The conversion of the two properties and external areas has been designed by LHL Group in York, and Mesh Architects in Leeds.