A £5m development of 28 affordable, energy-efficient homes in Leeds has been officially opened at a welcome event attended by residents, councillors and project partners.
The Pilkington Grove scheme, developed by 54North Homes, has transformed a former Church of England-owned brownfield site off Wesley Road in Armley. The development includes 26 houses and two flats, providing much-needed affordable homes within easy reach of local amenities and public transport links.
The name Pilkington Grove reflects the development’s connection with its neighbours at the 17th South West Leeds Scout Hut. Members of the Scout group worked with 54North Homes to name the scheme, choosing to honour former local Scouting leader Ron Pilkington MBE, who devoted more than 50 years to supporting the unit. Four generations of his family attended the official opening.
Leeds City Council contributed £700,000 towards the development through a funding programme designed to support the delivery of affordable housing. The money came from pooled financial contributions made by developers under planning agreements.
Jonathan Fletcher, managing director at 54North Homes said:
“We were delighted to welcome customers, partners and councillors to the opening event. It’s fantastic to see the development complete and meet the new residents who are really enjoying their new homes. It was great to chat with them and hear about how they’re settling in.”
Councillor Peter Carlill, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning said:
“It’s great to see this high-quality affordable housing development completed in Armley, transforming a long-empty site into much-needed new homes for local people.
“Developments like Pilkington Grove are a strong example of how we are working with partners to deliver sustainable, well-connected communities with energy efficient homes that help tackle both the housing challenge and our climate ambitions.
“We’re pleased to have supported this scheme and to see residents now moving in and benefiting from these modern, affordable homes.”
Sustainability has been central to the design of the development, with all 28 homes achieving an Energy Performance Certificate rating of A. Each property is fitted with solar photovoltaic panels and an air-source heat pump to provide heating and hot water. The scheme also includes electric vehicle charging points, private enclosed gardens and landscaped communal areas. Mature trees and hedgerows from the original site have been retained as part of the development.
54North Homes is part of the Karbon Group, whose strategic partnership with Homes England provided part of the funding for the scheme. The development was designed by Brewster Bye Architects and built by Ashfield Group, with BWA acting as employer’s agent.
