Heart of Holbeck investment programme starts on site with housing renewal

Homes in Holbeck are set to receive upgrades through a major scheme that is to get underway this month, as part of the first scheme in the Heart of Holbeck regeneration programme.

The improvements are part of a wider £15.9m Local Regeneration Fund grant investment to deliver on key Holbeck priorities outlined in the original Neighbourhood Improvement Plan. The other schemes will see investment in a key local community centre and major improvements to the local centre infrastructure, environment and green spaces. These schemes will start to come forward later in 2026. 

The housing renewal contract has been awarded to sustainable regeneration specialist Equans and improvements will be made to at least 180 homes in Holbeck, which are a mix of Leeds City Council, owner occupied and private rental sector properties.

The improvements will include the external enveloping of homes, including new insulation for external walls and the installation of new roofs, windows and doors. In addition to previous group housing work in Holbeck, the programme follows similar improvements to homes in Armley, Little London and Seacroft, all of which have benefited from recent energy efficiency upgrades.

The scheme is being funded by a Local Regeneration Fund grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) as well as various other sources of funding, including the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) and Warmer Homes grant funding. The council is working in partnership with MHCLG, Equans and householders to improve the condition of housing stock in one of the most deprived neighbourhoods in the city.

The work will make the homes easier and more affordable to heat, which will lead to a reduction in fuel poverty and cold-related illness for some of the most vulnerable residents in the city.

Scheduled for completion by the end of spring 2027, this is the third phase of group housing work in Holbeck. The earlier phases delivered improvements to around 300 homes, with phase 1 running in 2017/8 and phase 2 from 2021/22.

These projects, and others like them, underline the council’s commitment to addressing social and health inequalities and the part they play in causing illness and lower life expectancy. They also show how the council is working with partners to tackle climate change as it seeks to make Leeds the first net zero city in the UK.

Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said:

“We are determined that everyone in Leeds has a home that gives them the right foundation for leading a happy and healthy life.

“Schemes like this one move us another step towards achieving that hugely important goal.

“The work will make homes easier and cheaper to heat, a vital consideration at a time when many households are experiencing fuel poverty.

“There will also be environmental benefits, with improved energy efficiency for properties meaning a reduction in carbon emissions.”

Councillor Asghar Khan, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer services and community safety said:

“This scheme isn’t just about improving homes – it’s about strengthening the community.

“By making properties warmer, safer, and more energy-efficient, we’re helping families reduce their bills, improve their health, and feel proud of where they live.

“We’re grateful to our partners for supporting a scheme that will have such a positive impact on the community.”

Sean Corcoran, Regional Director at Equans, commented:

“Improving the energy efficiency of existing homes is one of the most effective ways to cut carbon emissions and achieve net zero targets, both regionally and nationally.

“Most importantly, these upgrades will make a real difference to residents – locking in heat and making their homes more affordable, comfortable and sustainable. This project is a perfect example of partners working together to combine expertise to benefit local people.”

ENDS

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