Courtyard steeped in history given new lease of life in £350k restoration

A £350,000 restoration has transformed a historic Wakefield courtyard into eight refurbished business units while retaining the character of its existing buildings.

Elephant & Castle Yard, behind the Elephant and Castle public house on Westgate, is now occupied by a growing collection of independent businesses following the project led by Boylin Property Group.

The scheme focused on repairing and improving the underused commercial buildings rather than replacing them. The resulting hybrid units have been designed to provide flexible, practical accommodation for modern businesses within the original courtyard setting.

Current occupiers include Sencia Suite, a beauty salon; Local Studio, a hair studio; Aneckha Tattoo, a feminine tattoo studio; and The Pilates Yard, a dedicated space for movement and wellbeing.

The courtyard’s commercial history is closely linked to the neighbouring Elephant and Castle public house. Documentary references to the inn date back to at least the mid-18th century, while records from 1785 describe a working yard containing stables, a brewhouse, a cellar, a granary and several other buildings.

The uses of the site changed as it served successive generations, with its buildings previously accommodating traditional trades and other commercial activity. The restoration has enabled the yard to continue that role by once again providing space for businesses in Wakefield.

Johnathan Boylin, owner of Boylin Property Group, said an interest in historic properties had influenced the decision to take on the project.

“Old buildings have always held a particular interest for me,” he said.

“There is something special about the history, character and craftsmanship that you find in properties that have stood for generations.

“When I saw the Elephant & Castle Yard, I immediately saw the vision of how we could help restore the historic site. I believe passion leads you further than finances, and this was a property I couldn't pass on.”

Alongside its substantial self store sites, Boylin Property Group’s portfolio includes other distinctive buildings with their own histories, including Westgate Brewery in Wakefield and Gordon Works in Sheffield.

“When we take on a restoration project, it is important to us that we retain as much of that original character as possible,” Johnathan said.

“Our approach is about breathing new life into these buildings, finding a purpose for them in the modern world, while ensuring their historical significance is not lost.

“For me, it is about more than just restoring a property. It is about preserving a piece of history and making sure it has a future.”

Although Elephant & Castle Yard’s uses have changed considerably since the 18th century, its refurbished buildings continue the courtyard’s long association with business and commercial activity.