Construction has officially begun on a new extra care housing scheme in Leeds, designed to foster independent living for older residents.
The innovative Middlecross development, located in Armley, will provide 65 modern, energy-efficient apartments tailored specifically for residents aged 55 and older who require additional care and support. Leeds City Council is spearheading this project as part of its Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP), aimed at addressing the shortage of extra care housing across the city. Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed to build the development, which will also significantly rejuvenate a previously unused two-acre brownfield site.
The scheme will include communal facilities intended to enhance social interaction and community living. These amenities will feature a restaurant, hair salon, and an open-plan lounge area with a coffee bar, promoting a vibrant community atmosphere. Sustainability and energy efficiency are central to the project’s design. The building will benefit from advanced insulation and ventilation systems, alongside renewable energy solutions such as ground source heat pumps and rooftop solar panels, ensuring a low-carbon footprint.
Funding for the development includes £1.3 million from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund, matched by another £1.3 million from Leeds’s commuted sums funding. Additional financing has been secured through Leeds City Council’s housing service, using Right to Buy receipts and borrowing, with completion anticipated by 2027.
Councillor Jess Lennox, the council’s executive member for housing, recently visited the site to meet the project team and view early construction progress, marking an important milestone for the community and the broader housing strategy in Leeds.
Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing said:
“It’s great news that construction work is now under way on this important scheme, which will help address the well-documented shortage of affordable extra care housing in Leeds. The Middlecross development highlights the impact of our Council Housing Growth Programme and, by extension, our commitment to ensuring that everyone in Leeds can enjoy the stability and security that comes with a safe, warm and good-quality home.
“I was really pleased to have the opportunity to visit the site in Armley with partners and see first-hand the progress being achieved by the construction team. All those involved should feel proud of the part they are playing in delivering a scheme that will make a positive difference to people’s lives and the community as a whole.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:
“Because of devolution, we’ve been able to invest almost £90m to help unlock over 5,000 new homes, including dozens of affordable and sustainable homes in Armley. Working with Leeds City Council, we’re taking decisive action to tackle the housing crisis and deliver the warm, high-quality homes that local families need, with lower rents and energy bills.
“Everyone is entitled to a safe and secure roof over their head, so we will work with central government to get the whole of West Yorkshire building, with new freedoms and funding to deliver thousands more homes and create a greener, more vibrant region.”
Ben Hall, Yorkshire area director for Morgan Sindall said:
“We are proud to be playing our part in creating high-quality extra care housing, enabling older people to enjoy later life. It was a pleasure to welcome Councillor Lennox and other stakeholders to our work at Middlecross.
“We’re looking forward to delivering this much-needed new scheme, which was procured via the SCAPE Construction framework. It will bring significant benefits for the Armley community, both through the completed building and our contribution to the local economy during the build programme.”
The start of construction at Middlecross comes after the successful opening of Gascoigne House in Middleton in 2023, another highly regarded extra care facility within the Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP). Additional CHGP developments currently underway include projects at Hough Top near Pudsey, Brooklands Avenue in Seacroft, and the Ambertons area of Gipton.
Since 2018, the CHGP has facilitated the construction of over 350 new homes and acquired more than 420 additional properties. These efforts significantly contribute to alleviating affordable housing shortages in Leeds. The availability of these new homes also enables tenants to downsize appropriately, thus freeing larger homes to accommodate families in need of additional space.
Leeds is proactive in addressing the diverse housing needs of its population. Alongside new development, the city is renovating existing properties to meet modern standards of living. These renovations are crucial in preserving the architectural heritage of Leeds while ensuring that all housing is safe, comfortable, and suitable for contemporary living.
Looking to the future, Leeds is poised to continue its trajectory as a leader in innovative housing solutions. With plans to expand housing developments, integrate smart technology, and enhance community amenities, the city is committed to providing homes that meet the needs of its growing population.
The ongoing transformation in Leeds not only reflects the city’s dynamic approach to urban development but also its dedication to creating sustainable and inclusive communities. As Leeds continues to grow, it remains a beacon of how cities can evolve to meet the challenges of the 21st century, ensuring that all residents have access to affordable, high-quality, and sustainable living options www.leedshomes.org.uk
