The transformation and development of a former 19th century hospital and its surrounding 10-acre estate at Nether Edge was conceived by its developers, Gleeson Homes, to retain all the characteristics of the original buildings but create a modern living experience for its new occupants.

Built in 1841, the Nether Edge Hospital is a classic example of the Tudor Gothic style, constructed in traditional Yorkstone. For the transformation, the main Kingswood Grade II Listed building and its surrounding Victorian apartments were restored meticulously with many of the original features retained both internally and externally.

In conjunction with this ethos, the planned new phases of the development were fashioned to seamlessly integrate with the existing structures, with many design features of the new dwellings mirroring the detailing of the original buildings.

To facilitate the new development’s success, it was essential for Gleeson Homes to source a walling material to recognise their vision.

For Marshalls the task was to supply a walling product that would help Gleeson Homes achieve their goal of developing a range of new homes, three storeys high comprising three to five bedrooms.

Working in conjunction with the developer, Marshalls was able to provide the exacting solution for the project. By submitting its Cromwell Pitched Face Reconstructed Stone Walling in Buff, the product provided the aesthetics and versatility Gleeson Homes required.

Being made from Yorkstone aggregates, ensures that Cromwell Walling has all the visual and textural Case Study characteristics of natural sandstone walling. The method of manufacturing, splitting and dressing makes sure that every stone produced is unique, to enhance its appeal and originality. Combined with the large unit lengths of 300, 365 and 440 mm and a course height of 140 mm, the contractor can achieve structures of large visual scale and simplicity. This is ideally suited for a modern building approach, and one that the developer wanted to convey within the new scheme, whilst being sympathetic to the site’s historical origins.

Throughout the course of the construction, Marshalls was the exclusive supplier of walling for the development and provided 6,652 m2 of Cromwell Pitched Face Buff Walling for the new residences.

Through the conscientious approach adopted by Gleeson Homes, the transformation of the former Victorian hospital and its estate earned the housebuilder a major accolade. The £30 million scheme was chosen to receive the award for regeneration and conservation in the Pro Yorkshire Awards, organised by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Much of this can be attributed to the time and effort the house-builder took in sourcing the right materials to realise the vision of restoring the original buildings to their former standing, and in developing their new homes, in which Marshalls became one of the key team players.

It takes a special development to be called ‘genuinely unique’ but the comment has been widely used to describe the scheme. Excellent use has been made of the 10-acre site, still with its original stone boundary wall, to create a spacious environment with a true village atmosphere for these homes.