Construction is about to start on an innovative extra care housing scheme in Leeds, promising significant benefits for the local community.
The Middlecross development, managed by Leeds City Council and located in Armley, will feature 65 high-quality, energy-efficient, and affordable apartments designed for independent living for older adults. Set on a brownfield site between Armley Grove Place and Simpson Grove, the three-story complex will include care facilities and communal spaces, such as a 50-seat dining area. Construction is expected to begin in March this year and is projected to be completed by early 2027.
The development is part of Leeds City Council’s Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP) and aims to revitalize a two-acre plot left vacant since the demolition of Middlecross Day Centre in 2018. This project is not only a step towards regenerating the area but also aligns with Leeds’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions. The apartments will be constructed to high energy-efficient standards, featuring advanced insulation and utilizing ground source heat pump technology.
In addition, the initiative to offer these new homes at affordable rents reflects the council’s dedication to enhancing the health and wellbeing of the community and addressing issues like fuel poverty. The majority of the funding for this project comes from the council’s housing service, supplemented by Right to Buy receipts and borrowing. An additional £1.3 million in grant funding is expected from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund, further supporting this vital housing scheme.
The project, set to be executed by Morgan Sindall Construction on behalf of the council, will positively impact the wider community by generating employment, enhancing skills, and offering apprenticeship opportunities.
Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing said:
“We are committed to ensuring that Leeds is a city synonymous with safe, warm and good-quality homes, with the increased provision of affordable housing having a key role to play in that. It’s really encouraging news, therefore, that construction work on the Middlecross scheme is due to begin shortly.
“At a time when there is a well-documented shortage of affordable extra care housing in Leeds, this development will make a real difference to the lives of its residents. The start of construction will also be another notable milestone for our Council Housing Growth Programme, which is working – with the support of partners – to bring positive and lasting change to communities across Leeds.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:
“Our investment in this new site in Leeds will help build more much-needed, high-quality homes. I believe that having a safe and secure place to live is a fundamental right, so it’s only right that we invest vital funds to deliver thousands of homes across West Yorkshire. Together with our partners like Leeds City Council, we’re dedicated to building a greener, more secure region for future generations.”
Since 2018, over 350 new homes have been constructed under the council’s Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP), and more than 340 homes have been acquired, significantly aiding in alleviating local affordable housing shortages. These efforts have not only increased the availability of suitable housing for tenants wishing to downsize but have also helped free up larger homes better suited for bigger families. Expanding the social housing stock is crucial for promoting inclusive growth and enhancing the overall health and wellbeing of the community.
Recent developments by the Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP) have introduced new housing in various locations including Barncroft Close in Seacroft, Scott Hall Drive in Chapel Allerton, and a former site in Middleton that once housed Throstle Recreation Ground and Middleton Skills Centre.
Notably, the Middleton site features Gascoigne House, an extra care scheme that recently garnered the best purpose-built accommodation award at the LABC Building Excellence Awards last week.
