Middleton’s Gascoigne House, a highly commended extra care housing scheme, has reached a significant milestone, greatly enhancing the lives of older residents in Leeds.
Since opening its doors in October of the previous year, it has provided seniors with the chance to live independently, offering essential on-site support as needed. All 60 apartments at Gascoigne House are now occupied, culminating in an official celebration of this pivotal achievement within the Leeds Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP). The event saw notable attendees including Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Jess Lennox, executive member for housing, and Tom Riordan, the council’s chief executive.
Joining the celebration were David Wingfield, regional director for Wates Construction Yorkshire and North East, which built the project for the council, along with Peter White and Richard Merrills, managing director and director, respectively, of Watson Batty Architects, who led the design efforts for the project.
However, the true highlight of the event was Gascoigne House itself, known for its cozy, affordable apartments, extensive communal facilities, and beautiful outdoor areas. During the celebration, guests had the opportunity to view a newly-unveiled plaque commemorating the opening. Adding a personal touch to the festivities, Steven and Rosemary Brown, the first residents to move in last October, participated in the cutting of a celebratory cake.
Gascoigne House is a key component of the council’s multi-million pound redevelopment and regeneration initiative, which previously encompassed Throstle Recreation Ground and Middleton Skills Centre. The comprehensive project also features 100 family homes and 16 fully wheelchair-accessible bungalows, all provided at affordable rents. Demonstrating a strong sense of community spirit, residents of the bungalows actively participate in organizing activities at Gascoigne House.
Additionally, students from Middleton Primary School frequently visit the extra care scheme, engaging in conversations and playing games with the elderly residents. Collaborative ties have also been established between Gascoigne House and local groups, including Middleton Elderly Aid and Friends of Middleton Park, fostering a vibrant community network. The broader Throstle Rec scheme gained notable recognition this summer, securing the top honor in the affordable and social housing development category at the inaugural Yorkshire Placemaking Awards.
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council said:
“I was delighted to attend the official opening of Gascoigne House, an asset that I think the whole city can be proud of. The facilities there are tremendous, and it was lovely to meet some of its residents and hear about the close bonds they are building with each other as well as the local community.
“The council’s investment in Gascoigne House aligns with our wider Age Friendly Leeds strategy, which is designed to ensure that all of our city’s older people feel valued, respected and supported.”
Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing said:
“Our Council Housing Growth Programme is achieving hugely impressive results, with Gascoigne House being a prime example of the difference our work is making to people’s lives. We want to ensure that everyone in Leeds, whatever their age and background, can enjoy the sense of wellbeing that comes with a warm and welcoming home.
“It’s really pleasing, therefore, that the Throstle Rec scheme as a whole is catering for a wide range of needs, with affordable family homes and accessible bungalows sitting side-by-side with Gascoigne House.”
Since 2018, the council’s CHGP has facilitated the construction of more than 350 new homes. Additionally, nearly 330 homes have been acquired through the program, with both the newly built and acquired properties playing a vital role in alleviating local affordable housing pressures.
Recent statistics indicate that, leading up to 2025, nearly 1,600 affordable homes across Leeds are either under construction or in the preliminary stages of planning and development. This progress is attributed to the CHGP as well as other council-supported initiatives being executed by various partners.
