United Living to deliver over 200 affordable apartments in Leeds City Centre

Work has begun on a new £42 million apartment scheme in the centre of Leeds, providing much-needed affordable homes.

On behalf of WDH, the Saxton Lane development will deliver 204 apartments, ranging from one-bedroom to four-bedroom, all available for affordable rent. The development will also include approximately 200 cycle spaces to encourage sustainable travel. Four of the apartments will be fully wheelchair adaptable.

WDH is one of Yorkshire’s largest social housing providers. The development will be the organisation’s biggest new-build affordable housing scheme since it was formed in 2005.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, joined United Living and WDH at the site last week to see the progress of building work. The Mayor also used the visit to launch her new 15-year Housing Strategy, the first of its kind in West Yorkshire.

The project was made possible through an investment of £1.2 million from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. The new homes, built on a Brownfield site that was formerly an old car garage, will continue the regeneration of this part of Leeds.

The site is expected to be completed in winter 2025, with residents moving in soon after.

Marcus Westmorland, Operations Director at United Living New Homes, said:

“We were delighted to welcome the West Yorkshire Mayor to Saxton Lane.

“United Living strives to create sustainable housing solutions that have a positive impact. This development will provide much-needed affordable housing for local people and families in Leeds.

“We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to bring this vibrant, sustainable community to completion next year.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, added:

“Our fifteen-year housing strategy gives us the long-term, joined-up approach we need, to tackle this intolerable housing crisis, ensuring that everyone has a safe and secure place to call home.

“Growing up in a good quality council flat, we didn’t have to worry about unaffordable rent, mould on our walls or the looming threat of a no-fault eviction, and no one else should have to either.

“Housing is a basic human right and the foundation for a good and healthy life. By working in lock-step with the new government and our brilliant local housing partners, we will deliver a new dawn for housebuilding across West Yorkshire.”

Andy Wallhead, Chief Executive of WDH, added:

“We are committed to providing more high-quality and affordable housing options across the region. We are also strongly committed to communities and supporting tenants, and our strong local partnerships are key to achieving this.

“Affordable housing is more than construction; it provides homes where people feel supported and secure enough to thrive.”

Sue Young, Executive Director of Investment at WDH, commented:

“We are absolutely delighted to be developing these new homes in the centre of Leeds, which will provide much needed affordable housing for local people and families. Developing more high-quality and affordable housing is key to tackling the housing shortage so those who want to live and work in the city can continue to live in the city they love.

“This is a significant project for WDH and a huge investment in Leeds, which shows our commitment to the city, and we are keen to continue to develop more affordable homes in the area.”