Work on innovative housing scheme begins in Leeds

Work to create an innovative community of affordable housing for local people has started at a site on Broad Lane, Bramley in Leeds which incorporates Mount Cross and Copper Beech Nursery.

The development at The Salvation Army’s site will involve building new properties and converting existing buildings to create more than 80 Affordable Homes which will range from one bedroom apartments to three bedroom family homes as well as a community facility all set within landscaped gardens. The project has been funded by The Salvation Army Housing Association (SAHA) and The Homes and Communities Agency. SAHA has also worked closely with Leeds City Council to ensure the development meets the housing needs of applicants from the Leeds Homes Register.

Tony Bacon, Director of Asset Management at SAHA, said: “Our new development on Broad Lane in Bramley is more than an affordable housing scheme as central to the project is creating a community which we believe will be achieved by working closely with residents and the local area who will be encouraged to commit their time, and skills to benefit everyone.”

The new development will build on the success of Copper Beech Nursery for children aged three months to eight year’s old which has been run by The Salvation Army on the site for a number of years.

Tony, continued: “It won’t just be residents of the new development who will be building a community here as families who use the nursery will also be invited to participate and will be given incentives to get involved. We believe this approach will help the project to make a real difference to local people.”

Central to our goal is for the building process to have a positive impact on the local economy, bringing employment and training opportunities.

Tony, added: “We are committed to the new project on Broad Lane and believe it truly meets the current need for long term homes for local families which are affordable and in a safe, and welcoming environment. The coming months and years will be an exciting time for us here and we can’t wait to see how the community will develop and the affect this will have on the wider local area.”

Cllr Peter Gruen, executive member for neighbourhoods, planning and personnel, said:

“Only with a co-ordinated approach from the council, housing providers, developers and the third sector will we be able to meet the continued demand for quality, affordable housing.

“Work starting on site at Mount Cross is an indicator that our combined efforts can and will provide homes that will be at the heart of the community.”

While we have operated previous services at the site, we are committed to adapting to the needs of local people and working alongside them to provide appropriate services. The community has been involved in helping to devise the plan for the development and we will continue to work with local people to ensure the project meets their needs.

The new properties are expected to be ready from April 2016. Updates will be available to local people as the project progresses.

This year The Salvation Army is celebrating 150 years of transforming lives and it is still at the heart of every community today, supporting those in need.