Leeds Jewish Housing Association creates bespoke home for tenant with disabilities at Island Site development
A specially designed apartment for a disabled tenant is set to be the ‘jewel in the crown’ of a new 28-home development opening later this year, according to the Leeds Jewish Housing Association.
The development in North Leeds will form the second phase of a two-part scheme, funded in part by Homes England with support from The Marcia and Andrew Brown Charitable Trust and Sheffield Jewish Housing.
It comprises 14 two-bedroom and 12 three-bedroom homes, a two-bedroom apartment, and a ground-floor one-bedroom flat designed for the needs of longtime LJHA tenant Adam, a permanent wheelchair user.
The first phase is made up of 85 new properties, including 51 sheltered housing apartments for residents aged 55 and over, and 34 general needs flats. It was opened in 2022.
Phase two, known as The Island Site, is set to be completed in the summer following a ground-breaking ceremony on Queenshill estate in May last year led by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Dan Cohen.
Craig Simons, the housing association’s director of operations, said the countdown to the handover from the contractor is “gaining pace”, with particular attention to ensuring the development meets the needs of existing tenant Adam.
“We paid for a professional occupational therapist to work directly with Adam to match the property specifically to his needs and those of his partner, who is able-bodied,” Craig said.
“Following multiple consultation meetings, the contractors were tasked with installing automated features to the front door, a fully electric rise and fall kitchen and bespoke changes to the original design of the bedroom, bathroom and even garden.”
He added: “Adam has been a pleasure to work with. We hope he will be really happy in his new apartment.”
Adam said he is “extremely excited” to move into his new adapted home.
He said: “It’s going to make my life so much easier as my current property is just not suitable for me anymore.
“It will also be nice being close to more family members and staying within the local Jewish community.”
Mark Grandfield, LJHA Chief Executive, added: “Adam’s new apartment is unique amongst them and will be the jewel in the crown of the Island Site development.”