Tenant joins 999 others in housing regeneration project

Leeds’ largest single area regeneration project in years is marking another milestone as the team hand over the 1000^th refurbished property to tenants.

The landmark comes as the project approaches its second anniversary, having started in September 2013.

Since then, Dehab Pedros’ home in Little London and 999 others across Little London, Beeston Hill and Holbeck have benefitted from a range of improvements including a new kitchen and bathroom, new windows and front door, complete rewire and new heating system and insulation.

Having completed the overhaul of Dehab’s home, the council’s partners, sC4L and Keepmoat are focusing on the remaining 245 properties being refurbished.

Much needed housing is also being created as part of the project with another 388 new council homes being built.

Both new and refurbished properties incorporate features to make homes up-to-date, safe, energy efficient and flexible to meet long term housing needs.

In all three areas, communal open spaces are benefitting from improvement works, upgraded or dedicated recycling facilities and landscaping.

Councillor Debra Coupar, executive member for communities, said:

“We need good quality, accessible and affordable housing to meet people’s needs and our aspiration to the best city. Seeing the changes to Dehab’s home gives me the confidence that we are doing just that.

“Looking beyond the refurbishments and new homes that have been completed in the past two years, the housing regeneration project is taking a holistic approach which means we’re seeing communities being built before our eyes.”

Dehab Pedros, tenant, said:

“We’re totally delighted with the work that’s been done in the flat, it’s like living in an entirely new place.”

Jon Hinchliff, sc4L general manager, said:

“We’ve achieved a lot in two years, however there’s still much to do. Each milestone we mark off is an achievement, but true success for us is being at the heart of and helping to create communities”.

Sean Corcoran, Keepmoat regional director, said:

“Every one of the 1,245 refurbishments and 388 new builds are designed with the residents’ comfort and sustainability in mind so these will be homes for life.”