Work set to start on building new council housing on former east Leeds pub site

Work is to begin later this month on redeveloping a former a former pub site in east Leeds into new affordable council housing.

Leeds City Council has entered into a contract with developers Kier Construction Limited to turn the site of the former Whinmoor pub on Stanks Lane South in Swarcliffe into 22 new two-bedroom semi-detached houses.

Work is set to start on site on May 26 with an expected completion date for the project of August next year.

The development is part of Leeds City Council’s housing growth programme to build around 1,000 new council houses in the coming years, and is one of three connected schemes being managed by the council working with development partner Kier Construction Limited.

Contracts to deliver 49 new homes at Garnet Grove in Beeston and Broadlea Street in Bramley have already been awarded to Kier and work is underway at these two sites.

The new houses will be built to the Leeds Standard in terms of design and quality, as well as embodying the best in design for sustainability, space and energy efficiency. All properties will have off-street parking and private garden areas.

As part of the development, a new access road will be created along with landscaping and tree planting. Some existing trees will need to be relocated to accommodate the plans, with associated additional improvements to be made to the greenspace of the local area.

The Whinmoor pub closed several years ago, with the condition of the building then deteriorating before the council took ownership of the site after it was added to the citywide list of derelict and nuisance properties. The pub was subsequently demolished in 2014, with the council recommending the brownfield site for potential redevelopment for new affordable council housing and an agreement with Kier Construction Limited then being reached to develop the design, along with two other schemes.

Leeds City Council executive member for communities Councillor Debra Coupar said:

“This is another example of where we are transforming what was an eyesore site into housing – something which is much-needed locally. It is great news that work is to start imminently in providing these new council homes for rent. Along with the two associated schemes in Bramley and Beeston, I look forward to seeing these new developments take shape.”

Leeds City Council executive member for regeneration, transport and planning Councillor Richard Lewis said:

“As part of our commitment to provide a thousand new council homes through the housing growth programme, this scheme is ideal as a brownfield site being redeveloped into attractive new affordable housing.”

On behalf of Kier Construction, operations director Jon Rukin said:

“We’re pleased to be working with Leeds City Council to bring this brownfield site back into use and provide much-needed affordable housing across the city with our linked schemes in Swarcliffe, Beeston and Bramley. We’ve designed the homes with space and sustainability in mind to meet the needs of the community now and in future.”

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Roger Boyde

Leeds City Council press office,

Email: roger.boyde@leeds.gov.uk

Tel: 0113 378 9164