The Council Housing Programme in Leeds is delivering affordable, quality housing options like family homes and wheelchair-accessible bungalows, with Gascoigne House offering 60 apartments for older residents needing care. The initiative supports community development, the local economy, and Leeds City Council’s goal towards net zero emissions.
What is the Council Housing Programme in Leeds?
The Council Housing Programme in Leeds aims to deliver affordable, quality housing options like family homes and wheelchair-accessible bungalows. Gascoigne House is a key part of this, offering 60 apartments for older residents needing care. The initiative supports community development, local economy, and Leeds City Council’s goal towards net zero emissions.
Gascoigne House: A Beacon of Community and Care
Recently, Gascoigne House, a new extra care housing scheme, has come to fruition, serving as a testament to Leeds City Council’s dedication to creating quality, affordable housing for its citizens. Located in Middleton, on Middleton Park Avenue, the scheme boasts 60 well-appointed apartments. These homes cater to older individuals requiring on-site care and support. Notably, the scheme is part of the larger redevelopment of the site once home to Throstle Recreation Ground and Middleton Skills Centre. By early next year, the plan is to offer 100 family homes and 16 wheelchair-accessible bungalows, significantly contributing to local housing options.
During a significant week, two leading councillors visited the facility. Councillor Salma Arif, executive member for adult social care, public health, and active lifestyles, alongside Councillor Jess Lennox, executive member for housing, engaged with residents and staff, gaining a firsthand understanding of the scheme’s impact. Their visit included a tour of communal facilities like the café/bistro, hair salon, and the comprehensive laundry and assisted bathing services – amenities designed to foster a vibrant community spirit.
In the words of Councillor Arif, Leeds City Council aims to “be the very best it can be,” a goal she sees reflected in Gascoigne House. “It’s a facility I think the whole city can take pride in,” she stated, emphasizing the council’s commitment to quality care. The residents’ satisfaction, Councillor Arif believes, stands as a testament to the dedication and vision of all involved in the project.
A Mix of Homes for a Diverse Community
The broader redevelopment initiative goes beyond serving the elderly. It includes a diverse array of housing options such as family homes and fully accessible bungalows. The two, three, and four-bedroom properties not only add to the community’s residential portfolio but also align with energy-efficient and eco-friendly building practices. This approach reflects the council’s aspirations towards achieving net zero emissions.
Councillor Lennox highlighted the transformation of the Middleton site as a key aspect of the Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP), expressing pleasure at the provision of a mix of housing to cater to various needs. “The work here is creating a happy, thriving community,” he remarked, underlining the development’s integral role in the life of the wider Middleton area.
The strategic location of the wheelchair-accessible bungalows adjacent to Gascoigne House ensures that residents have convenient access to its facilities and services. This thoughtful design encapsulates the council’s vision for an interconnected and inclusive community. With around 80 bungalows and family homes completed and available at affordable rents, this development is a significant stride towards alleviating housing pressures in Leeds.
Economic and Community Development Through Construction
The construction of Gascoigne House and the surrounding development has been more than just about housing. It has been about investing in the local economy and fostering community development. Wates Construction handled the redevelopment for the council, with design services provided by Leeds-based Watson Batty Architects. This collaboration has had a substantial local economic impact, with the majority of spending within 40 miles of the site, and half within 10 miles.
The project has created 32 new jobs, including four higher level apprenticeships, and has opened doors to numerous training and volunteering opportunities. The engagement with schools and community projects as part of this initiative has been extensive, weaving a fabric of involvement and benefit beyond the immediate construction.
Since 2018, more than 300 new homes have been constructed via the council’s CHGP, with close to 270 homes also being acquired. These developments help alleviate the affordable housing shortage and enable tenants seeking to downsize to find suitable properties, thereby freeing up larger homes for families in need. The CHGP’s role in driving inclusive growth, improving health, and wellbeing is apparent in the additional social housing stock it provides.
Looking ahead, Leeds is set to see nearly 1,600 affordable homes built or at various stages of pre-construction by 2025, thanks to the CHGP and other council-backed initiatives. This projection underscores the council’s commitment to shaping a city that offers a quality living environment for all its residents.
For more information about Gascoigne House and the Council Housing Growth Programme, interested individuals can visit the Leeds City Council’s official website.
ENDS
- The Council Housing Programme in Leeds aims to deliver affordable, quality housing options like family homes and wheelchair-accessible bungalows.
- Gascoigne House, a new extra care housing scheme, offers 60 apartments for older residents needing care and is part of a larger redevelopment project.
- The redevelopment project also includes the construction of family homes and fully accessible bungalows, contributing to local housing options and aligning with eco-friendly building practices.
- The construction of Gascoigne House and the surrounding development has had a substantial local economic impact, creating new jobs and opening doors to training and volunteering opportunities.
- Leeds is set to see nearly 1,600 affordable homes built by 2025 as part of the Council Housing Growth Programme and other council-backed initiatives.