From Seaside Grand Hotel to Contemporary Living — The Hylands Conversion

At PARKdesigned, we are proud to share that planning permission has been granted for the conversion of the former Hylands Hotel in Filey into 22 high-quality apartments. As a practice of experienced Leeds architects, we bring our heritage and commercial design expertise to projects across the region, combining thoughtful design with commercial viability.

This former Victorian hotel—famed for having hosted The Beatles in 1963—holds a special place in the town’s architectural and cultural heritage. Its transformation will ensure its continued relevance, while preserving the character that makes it so significant to Filey’s identity.

Heritage-Driven Design in a Coastal Conservation Area

Originally built in 1885 as five grand terraced houses, the building later became the Hylands Hotel and then a retirement residence. As heritage-aware architects, we recognised the importance of a respectful, conservation-led approach to design. The approved scheme involves reinstating the four original front entrances, removing an unsympathetic rear extension, and reintroducing basement-level sunken gardens to improve daylight and access for lower ground units.

The 22 new apartments will be delivered across five storeys and will include a carefully considered mix of one, two, and three-bedroom homes. This composition meets local housing demand while retaining the historic rhythm and articulation of the façade.

Planning Considerations and Community Engagement

As a practice of Leeds architects experienced in listed building and conservation area projects, we understand the importance of engaging with context, residents, and planning officers to arrive at a scheme that is both appropriate and deliverable.

Parking provision—a key issue for local residents—was addressed through the removal of the rear extension, allowing for 14 off-street spaces within the curtilage. Meanwhile, design elements such as the reintroduction of front entrances and the removal of unsightly stair cores were praised for restoring architectural integrity.

Despite objections related to parking, second-home ownership, and scale, the planning committee ultimately granted permission, recognising the scheme’s heritage benefits and the importance of bringing a long-vacant building back into sustainable use.

Creating Long-Term Value through Design

As Leeds architects, we apply our regional experience to unlock value in sensitive and complex sites. This project reflects our wider ethos: to create buildings that are both architecturally rigorous and commercially robust. Our contribution has focused on:

  • Respecting Architectural Heritage: Through careful reinstatement of historic elements and removal of later accretions

  • Delivering High-Quality Residential Accommodation: In a way that meets contemporary living needs while preserving the building’s visual and spatial quality

  • Integrating Sustainability and Functionality: Including better daylighting, spatial efficiency, and future-proofing of layouts

With the building no longer viable as a hotel or care facility, apartment conversion was the most appropriate route for long-term use and preservation.

Next Steps and Our Role in Delivery

PARKdesigned will continue to support the client through the next project stages, providing services including:

  • Detailed technical design, including material specification and conservation detailing

  • Coordination with the local authority to discharge planning conditions

  • Construction documentation and site-stage support

  • Delivery-phase design management to ensure architectural intent is preserved

We will also continue to work closely with our engineering and specialist partners to integrate building services and infrastructure without compromising the heritage fabric.

This project is a prime example of how our team of Leeds architects applies conservation expertise, planning strategy, and design acumen to create homes that respect history and serve modern needs. The Hylands is more than a building conversion—it is a revival of an important piece of Filey’s architectural story.

If you are considering a project involving listed buildings, conservation constraints, or complex planning matters, PARKdesigned offers tailored architectural services that align creativity with commercial reality.

James Park