In a brilliant stride forward for Leeds, the Ambertons council housing scheme in Gipton is blossoming, delivering 55 energy-efficient, accessible homes and welcoming the first families into their new abodes by late last month. This vital project, a collaboration between Leeds City Council, Wates Construction, and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, not only provides much-needed affordable housing but also enriches the community with upgraded parks like Harehills Park, new play areas, and robust community engagement initiatives facilitated by partners like CATCH and local schools.
What are the main benefits of the Ambertons council housing scheme in Leeds?
The Ambertons council housing scheme in Leeds delivers 55 affordable, energy-efficient homes with accessible features, helping meet local housing demand. It also boosts community infrastructure by upgrading parks, play areas, and roads, and supports local engagement through charitable, educational, and volunteering initiatives.
Launching a New Chapter for Affordable Housing in Gipton
The city of Leeds has marked a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to providing quality, affordable housing for its residents. The most recent development, located in the Ambertons area of Gipton, underscores Leeds City Council’s drive to deliver excellent homes tailored to diverse family needs. Construction began in late 2023, with the project aiming to complete all 55 new council houses and bungalows by the end of the year. These properties represent a crucial addition to the city’s housing stock, offering a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes, as well as one-bedroom bungalows designed to meet a range of requirements.
The first six families began moving into their homes after receiving their keys at the end of last month. This event signals not only the rapid progress of the build but also the tangible impact of the Leeds Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP) on local lives. The scheme utilizes several brownfield sites spread across Amberton Terrace, Amberton Crescent, Amberton Street, and Montagu Avenue. Each home is allocated for affordable rent, directly addressing the significant housing demand that persists in this part of Leeds.
The partnership behind the project is noteworthy. Wates Construction, the primary contractor, collaborates closely with Leeds City Council, while financial backing comes largely from the council itself, supplemented by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund. This mix of local investment and regional support is instrumental in bringing such ambitious projects to fruition, ensuring the benefits of regeneration extend to those who need them most.
Energy Efficiency and Accessibility at the Forefront
Energy efficiency stands as a cornerstone in the design and construction of the new council homes. By incorporating technologies such as air source heat pumps instead of traditional gas boilers, the scheme underlines the council’s commitment to net zero goals. These measures not only reduce the carbon footprint of the development but also translate into lower energy bills for tenants, offering long-term financial relief alongside environmental benefits. Such forward-thinking design is increasingly important as cities strive to meet climate targets and improve residents’ quality of life.
Accessibility is another key focus. All properties offer level access, with the potential to adapt homes to various mobility needs. Features such as through-floor lifts can be installed where required, ensuring that the homes remain suitable for elderly or disabled tenants. This design approach supports a diverse tenant base, reflecting an understanding of the importance of inclusive housing in fostering sustainable communities.
The broader context of the CHGP further illustrates Leeds City Council’s proactive approach. Since 2018, more than 350 new homes have been built through the programme, with an additional 450 acquired to address housing pressures. Developments have been completed in areas including Barncroft Close (Seacroft), Scott Hall Drive (Chapel Allerton), and the former Throstle Recreation Ground in Middleton. Other active projects are currently underway on Brooklands Avenue (Seacroft), Hough Top (Swinnow), and the former Middlecross Day Centre in Armley, collectively helping to ease affordable housing shortages across the city.
Investment in Community Infrastructure and Green Spaces
The benefits of the Ambertons development extend well beyond the provision of new homes. Linked funding has enabled the council to improve a range of local amenities, directly enhancing the quality of life for both new tenants and the wider community. For instance, tennis facilities at nearby Harehills Park have been upgraded, while ongoing enhancements to green spaces off Amberton Road and Lawrence Road include new footpaths, seating, bulb planting, and landscaping. These improvements contribute to a healthier and more enjoyable environment for all residents.
Young families will soon benefit from an upgraded play area behind Gipton’s Henry Barran Centre, with work set to commence in the coming month. Such investments are vital in creating vibrant neighborhoods where children have safe, attractive places to play and socialize. On the infrastructure front, the council’s highways team is funding a series of footpath and carriageway improvements on Amberton Terrace and Montagu Avenue, ensuring that the neighborhood’s physical environment keeps pace with its expanding population.
Quotes from key stakeholders emphasize the development’s broader significance. “The handover of these properties is a really important milestone and highlights the positive difference that our Council Housing Growth Programme is making to communities in Leeds,” noted Councillor Jess Lennox, the council’s executive member for housing. “It’s this kind of collaborative approach – coupled with our determination to ensure that Leeds is the best place in the country to call home – that has helped make the Council Housing Growth Programme such a success.”
Community Engagement and Lasting Social Impact
A distinguishing feature of the Ambertons scheme is its holistic approach to community engagement. Wates Construction, beyond its building remit, has orchestrated a series of initiatives designed to uplift and integrate the local community. Notable actions include:
- Donation of Facilities: Partnering with sub-contractor Wernick Hire, a repurposed container worth £2,750 was provided to the Harehills-based charity CATCH for use as storage on its educational farm.
- Youth Engagement: Ten young people have participated in work experience and pre-employability programmes, helping them gain valuable skills and workplace insight.
- Charitable Grants: The Wates Family Trust awarded a £4,500 grant to People’s Pantry and The Clothing Rebellion, supporting community work at the Old Fire Station in Gipton.
- Volunteering: Members of the construction team have provided hands-on support to the Gipton Growers gardening group, strengthening ties with local initiatives.
- School Partnerships: Local schools, including the Co-op Academy Leeds and Leeds East Academy, have participated in site visits and collaborative activities, fostering interest in construction and community development among students.
David Wingfield, Managing Director of Construction East at Wates, emphasized the company’s broader vision: “The Ambertons development is about more than building houses, it is about shaping a connected community where people feel they belong and can thrive for generations to come.” This sentiment is echoed by Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, who remarked, “Having a safe and secure place to call home should be a fundamental right of everyone, which is why we’re putting new housing at the heart of our mission to build a happy West Yorkshire.”
These combined efforts illustrate the multiple dimensions through which the Ambertons development is making a difference. By pairing high-quality, energy-efficient homes with meaningful community investment and engagement, the scheme serves as a model for future regeneration projects across Leeds and beyond. For further details about Leeds City Council’s ongoing housing initiatives, visit the Council Housing Growth Programme page.
- The Ambertons council housing scheme in Gipton, Leeds, is delivering 55 energy-efficient, accessible homes, with the first families moving in by late last month.
- This project is a collaboration between Leeds City Council, Wates Construction, and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, providing much-needed affordable housing.
- The homes incorporate energy-efficient technologies like air source heat pumps and offer level access with potential for adaptations, ensuring lower energy bills and accessibility.
- Beyond housing, the scheme includes upgrades to local amenities such as Harehills Park, new play areas, and improvements to footpaths and carriageways.
- Wates Construction has implemented extensive community engagement initiatives, including donations, youth work experience, charitable grants, and school partnerships.