How A Grand York Estate Became Luxury Apartments—With A Little Help From Dudleys

A grand Victorian villa in York has been given a new lease of life, transforming from an ageing office space into 21 luxury apartments. But bringing this historic building into the modern era wasn’t as simple as a fresh coat of paint. It took £5 million, some clever engineering, and a deep respect for the past.

Here’s how Dudleys Consulting Engineers helped turn a 19th-century landmark into a sought-after residential development.

From Cocoa To Council Offices—And Now Luxury Living

The building at the heart of this transformation is Beverley House, which sits just one mile from York city centre. It was originally built as the home of the general manager of Rowntree Cocoa Works—a name that’ll be familiar to anyone who’s ever unwrapped a KitKat.

Over the years, Beverley House had many roles. It was divided into flats, then became a local government office in 1990. By the time Inglehurst Property Ltd purchased it in 2021, it was in need of some serious work.

To bring their vision to life, the developers teamed up with Vincent & Partners for the design and Dudleys Consulting Engineers for the structural and civil engineering work.

The Challenges Of Mixing Old And New

Blending historic architecture with modern living isn’t easy. The project didn’t just involve restoring Beverley House—it also required three brand-new buildings on the site, all while respecting the original structure.

Dudleys helped navigate a tricky planning process, which included:

• Basement and internal reconfigurations – Making the best use of space inside the historic building.
• Building on a high groundwater site – A challenge for any new construction.
• Flood mitigation – Essential in York, where water levels can cause problems.

Despite these hurdles, the result is Beverley Court—a stunning collection of apartments that balance historical charm with modern design and high-end finishes.

Smart Engineering Solutions For A Historic Site

Andy Walker, Managing Director at Dudleys Consulting Engineers, explained how the team tackled the project:

“The site wasn’t without its challenges due to preservation, new build configuration and flood mitigation requirements, but our expert team was able to deliver innovative solutions including the installation of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).”

These drainage systems help manage rainwater naturally, reducing flood risks and making the development more environmentally friendly.

Dudleys’ Experience In York

This isn’t the first time Dudleys has worked on a major York regeneration project. The firm also provided its expertise on:

• The redevelopment of Heworth Green’s former Gas Works site
• The transformation of a 29,000 sq ft office building, now occupied by Malmaison

With over 15 years in business, the Leeds-based consultancy has built a strong reputation in the industry. They work across the UK on residential, industrial, commercial, retail, and education projects, partnering with clients like:

• Leeds United Football Club
• Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate
• Leeds Bradford Airport
• Unilever UK

Dudleys is known for finding creative solutions to complex engineering challenges—exactly what was needed to bring Beverley House back to life.

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A New Era For Beverley House

With the work complete, Beverley House has officially stepped into a new chapter as Beverley Court. The 21 apartments are a prime example of how historical preservation and modern development can go hand in hand—when you have the right team behind it.

For more on Dudleys’ work, visit dudleys.co.uk.