Leeds city centre set for new sustainable housing via regeneration scheme

Plans have been submitted to build 58 one, two, and three-bedroom sustainable apartments for social rent, close to Leeds city centre, on Railway Street at Saxton Gardens.

Leeds City Council selected Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association (LYHA), following a competitive process, to develop the central Leeds site, which has been designed by Brewster Bye Architects.

If plans are approved, a new five-storey, energy efficient scheme will be built on the site of the former ‘Yorkshire Rider Social Club’, close to Quarry House and within easy access of the city centre. The area is set to undergo further significant regeneration over the coming years.

The homes will be energy efficient and will feature heat pumps instead of traditional gas central heating, as well as benefiting from low-carbon energy source EV charging points and cycle storage to facilitate green, active travel.

The scheme will include 28 one-bedroom, 25 two-bedroom and five three-bedroom apartments designed to a “high specification” throughout. The ground floor apartments will each have their own garden and additional communal outdoor space is included, which will be landscaped with trees to enhance biodiversity.

Subject to planning approval, Leeds City Council will sell the site to LYHA, and support its development with commuted sums contributions. These financial contributions have been secured from other new residential developments, where it has not been possible to provide sufficient affordable housing on-site.

Joanna Chambers, director of assets and growth at LYHA, commented: “We are delighted that our bid for the site was successful and are excited to begin turning our plans into reality. There is a significant need for more affordable housing in Leeds, particularly in the Burmantofts area and in neighbourhoods near the city centre.

“Brewster Bye has designed an enticing and highly functional vision for the new homes. Subject to planning, we could start on site in Spring 2022 and estimate that the build will take 18 months to complete. All nominations for initial tenancies will be made through Leeds City Council.”

Cllr Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive board member for Infrastructure and Climate, said: “We are pleased to be able to work with LYHA on this development, which will provide much-needed affordable housing in this part of the city, and at the same time bring unused and undeveloped land back into use.

“By delivering a mix of different homes, this development reflects our efforts to address housing needs in the local area and to ensure we have mixed communities, where diverse housing needs can be met.

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