Work has now started on a £40million council housing development which will see the regeneration of Throstle Recreation Ground and the former Middleton Skills Centre in Leeds.
The project off Middleton Park Avenue is one of the largest being undertaken as part of Leeds City Council’s Housing Growth Programme and will be made up of 60 two-bed, 38 three-bed, two four-bed properties and four bungalows.
It will also feature an extra care housing facility for older people requiring care and onsite support, with 47 one-bed and 13 two-bed contemporary open-plan type apartments which will provide secure, well-designed homes that are wheelchair accessible and allow for future adaptability and 12 one-bed bungalows which will be built specifically for adults of working age with disabilities.
The development will provide benefits to the wider community through delivering improvements to the existing public open space and creating a recreation ground and a central area suitable for numerous leisure activities.
Soft landscaping will be used to enhance the green space with a feature area of wildflower meadows; the planting will improve the aesthetics of the area and provide a space for pollinating insects and wildlife.
Tree planting will further enhance the area by creating a focal point that will also provide both shade and increase biodiversity. Pathways will provide access routes for the community with strategically placed seating and natural play areas.
Created by developer Wates Construction, the site will be equipped with an underground district heating system to provide the properties with energy-efficient heating and hot water, supporting the council’s commitment to tackling the climate emergency through new energy-efficient, affordable housing options. In addition, each property will have off-street parking and an electrical vehicle charging point.
The development is scheduled to be fully completed by autumn 2023.
Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council executive member for infrastructure and climate, said: “I am thrilled to see that work has now started on site to create one of the council’s largest affordable housing projects. Not only will it contribute positively towards our ambition of building more affordable housing in the city, but the new energy-efficient homes and electric vehicle charging points will also help in our efforts against the climate emergency.
“We know green space is important, especially in this area, and that is why a clear focus of this development is to invest in high-quality green space for people of all ages to benefit from and we will continue to work with residents in the surrounding areas to minimise disruption as much as possible. I look forward to seeing this exciting project develop over the coming months.”
David Wingfield, Regional Director North East, Wates Construction, said: “We have an excellent relationship with Leeds City Council and look forward to working with them. We fully recognise how important housing growth schemes like this are to the council’s future ambitions and we’re proud to play our part in the delivery of this affordable housing project, which will not only benefit the local economy and provide new green spaces for the community, but by accessing a network of local SME’s, this scheme will have a lasting impact on the local economy from the very outset.”
