More than 50 families are looking forward to moving into new properties in Beeston.
The management of the scheme, featuring 55 two, three and four bedroom properties is shared between Unity Housing Association and Chevin Housing Association, part of the Together Housing Group.
This is the first scheme of this type to be built in the area for over 20 years and as such the properties have garnered a great deal of local interest. 28 are available for social rent, and 27 are available for shared ownership, giving people the chance to own a percentage of their own home and in some cases providing opportunities for first-time buyers in what is an increasingly challenging economic climate.
The scheme not only brought physical regeneration to the area, but also social and economic regeneration in that it provided apprenticeship, work experience and training opportunities for local people. Apprentices were recruited by Bramall Construction, part of the company Keepmoat. As a result, a number of local people have improved their employment prospects and six have gained full-time jobs as a direct result of their experience.
Cockburn High School also benefited from the development’s construction in that pupils were able to visit the site in order to discover how scientific subjects are used in the construction industry, thanks to the CREST Award Scheme.
Cllr Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council Executive Board Member, with responsibility for development and the economy said that:
“It is great that a new set of family homes are helping to regenerate the area by brining in employment opportunities and that local people are benefiting from this.”
Wayne Noteman, Regeneration Director at Unity Housing Association said:
“Demolition on the former terraced properties commenced in 2005, so it’s been a long journey but though there have been numerous issues along the way, the partners have worked with the local community to ensure a scheme that everyone is proud of and leaves a lasting legacy for the future.”
