Tourism and hospitality boost for historic Wakefield site with new restoration project

A historic Yorkshire site originally designed by a royal architect is set to get a new lease of life through a restoration project.

Work has begun to restore Camellia House at Bretton Hall in Wakefield in a bid to boost the area’s tourism alongside preserving its cultural heritage.

Built in 1812, Camellia House was designed by architect Jeffry Wyatt, known for his work on Chatsworth House and Windsor Castle.

The house is being restored alongside the wider transformation of the Bretton Hall Estate into a unique hotel by the Yorkshire based property investor Rushbond PLC and Artfarm as operator-partner.

The restoration designs are being led by heritage and conservation specialist Seven Architecture, with the construction work being undertaken by HH Smith and Sons, who are currently also working in Leeds on the restoration of the First White Cloth Hall.

Mark Finch, director of Rushbond, commented: “The renovation of the Camellia House is a key chapter in the unfolding story of Bretton Hall.

“The work plays a vital part of our wider plans to transform Bretton Hall and its Estate as a cultural destination that complements the amazing Yorkshire Sculpture Park and helps promote the Wakefield as a creative and cultural hub.”

Cllr Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, added: “I am very pleased to see work beginning on the restoration of Camellia House.

“The whole development is a key element in the on-going growth of the district as a tourism and business destination.

“It is a multi-million pound investment in Wakefield and will be a huge asset to the area, offering high-quality accommodation and leisure facilities to visitors as well as being a significant boost to the local and regional economy, business enterprise and our job market.”

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