Pickard Properties has reached Practical Completion on the restoration of Moor Grange and Moorfield Lodge, two landmark 19th Century villas at the heart of its Spinning Acres development in Far Headingley, Leeds.
Construction works have now been completed by Weetwood-based contractor C & AJ Marshalls, marking the handover of the historic buildings back to Pickard Properties, which will now begin the high-end internal fit-out of the homes ahead of occupation.
The milestone represents a significant step in the £5 million regeneration of Moor Grange and Moorfield Lodge, which together will provide a collection of high-quality apartments and houses overlooking the central green at Spinning Acres.
Once complete, Moor Grange will offer six apartments and two houses, while Moorfield Lodge will deliver a further six apartments, blending Victorian character with modern, sustainable living.
The completion of the construction phase at Moor Grange and Moorfield Lodge forms part of Pickard Properties’ wider £40 million investment programme at Spinning Acres, transforming a former University of Leeds estate into a sustainable, design-led residential neighbourhood within the Far Headingley Conservation Area.
The two villas have played a prominent role in the area’s history, having previously formed part of the University’s estate and, before that, served as private Victorian residences linked to some of Leeds’ most influential 19th Century figures.
The works have required a careful balance between restoration and modernisation, with Marshalls preserving original architectural features while upgrading the buildings to meet contemporary standards. This has included structural repairs, extensive conservation work, and the integration of modern systems that will support long-term, low-carbon operation.
A strong emphasis was placed on using a predominantly local supply chain throughout the construction phase, with the majority of contractors and suppliers drawn from Leeds and the wider Yorkshire region. Specialist trades, materials suppliers and professional services firms from across the county played a central role in bringing the buildings back into use, reinforcing Pickard Properties’ commitment to supporting regional businesses and skills.
While some specialist elements, including ground source heating systems from Kensa and stained-glass restoration works, required expertise from outside the region, the overall delivery has been firmly rooted in the local economy.
Project management services were provided by Fox Lloyd Jones, which worked closely with Pickard Properties and C & AJ Marshalls to coordinate the complex restoration programme and ensure the historic integrity of the buildings was maintained throughout.
Miles Pickard, Director of Pickard Properties, said: “Reaching Practical Completion at Moor Grange and Moorfield Lodge is a hugely important moment for Spinning Acres and for us as a business. These are remarkable buildings with deep historic roots in Far Headingley and seeing them structurally complete and ready for the next phase is something we’re incredibly proud of.
“They sit at the very heart of the development, both physically and historically, and they help define the character of the new community we’re creating. The care, craftsmanship and collaboration that has gone into restoring them will ensure they continue to play a meaningful role in Leeds’ built heritage while offering high-quality homes for the future.”
Andy Barratt, from C & AJ Marshalls, said: “Working on historic buildings like Moor Grange and Moorfield Lodge is always a privilege and a challenge in equal measure. The key is getting the balance right between restoration and upgrading, respecting what makes these buildings special while ensuring they function as modern homes.
“We’ve worked with a fantastic group of suppliers and trades, many of them local, whose skills and attention to detail have helped breathe new life into these villas. It’s been hugely rewarding to see them reach this stage and to hand them back ready for the next chapter.”
Andrew Doidge, Senior Quantity Surveyor at Fox Lloyd Jones, said: “Spinning Acres is creating a new, high-quality residential community in Leeds, and Moor Grange and Moorfield Lodge are central to that vision. Bringing forward homes of this quality within historic buildings requires close collaboration, and it’s been a pleasure working alongside Pickard Properties and C & AJ Marshalls to deliver something truly special.
“These villas demonstrate how heritage assets can be successfully repurposed to meet modern living expectations while contributing to a strong sense of place and community.”
