£42m 'all-affordable' high-rise development in Leeds city centre nearing completion

The new Saxton Heights, off Saxton Lane, will offer 207 homes for rent, with residents expected to move in over the coming months.

The project, belonging to Vico Homes and developed by United Living, has a range of apartments from one to four bedrooms, with four apartments suitable for wheelchair users. The development also includes 200 cycle spaces to encourage sustainable travel.

The project has been made possible through an investment of £1.2million from West Yorkshire Combined Authority and grant funding from Homes England, the Government’s housing and regeneration agency.

The new homes have been built on a Brownfield site which was formerly an old car garage, and developers say it continues the regeneration of this area of the city centre.

Martyn Shaw, chief executive of Vico Homes, said: “More than 200 people and families will have an affordable home they can rely on, right in the heart of Leeds.

"It means a secure home, a better start and the chance to build a future close to work, schools and everything the city offers.

"We’re proud to have delivered these homes and we’ll keep doing all we can to bring more affordable homes to the communities that need them.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said: “Affordable homes provide the stability needed to open up a world of opportunities for families.

"I am committed to delivering a new generation of homes for local people here in West Yorkshire so that they can get on in life.

“Sites like Saxton Heights are just the beginning. What was once an old car garage is now over 200 affordable homes.

“In partnership with Vico Homes and Leeds City Council, we’ve shown we can turn brownfield land into good quality affordable and accessible homes for local families.”

Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said: “As a city, Leeds has an impressive track record when it comes to delivering good-quality affordable homes.

“We know, though, that there is still more to do and so I’m delighted that Saxton Heights is now finished and ready to welcome its first residents.

“It will make an important contribution to ongoing efforts – across public, private and other sectors – to ensure that the housing needs of all local people are being properly met.

“Affordable homes of the kind we see at Saxton Heights can have a transformative impact, not just on individual lives but on surrounding areas and communities as well.”

Shahi Islam, Director of affordable housing grants at Homes England, said: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives.

“This development in Leeds is a prime example of how the agency works with local partners through the Affordable Homes Programme to build the homes people need and create new thriving communities.”

Kevin Morris, National Construction Director, United Living, said: “United Living strives to create sustainable housing solutions that have a positive impact.

"We are delighted to have delivered this project on behalf of Vico Homes, providing much-needed affordable housing for local people and families in Leeds".