Construction under way on dozens of extra care apartments

More than 60 extra care apartments are on schedule for completion in Leeds this autumn.

Preferred Homes (PHL), a registered provider of social housing, says progress on its £15m housing scheme on Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston, is on track for opening in October 2024.

Hunslet Moor House will comprise 51 one-bedroom apartments and 12 two-bedroom apartments.

It is being designed as a housing option for residents who are over 55 and can live independently but need some elements of personal care.

This investment in the Beeston area is being backed by an Affordable Homes Programme grant from Homes England. The Affordable Homes Programme provides grant funding to support the capital costs of developing affordable housing for rent or sale.

The housing allocation for Hunslet Moor House will be managed in partnership with Leeds City Council and its commissioning team.

Stephen Sorrell, founder of Preferred Homes and social partnership director, said: “Social housing is increasingly under pressure across the country and we are excited to be able to bring our vision and approach to tackling this need in Leeds.

“Our development on Hunslet Hall Road will be the first Preferred Homes site to complete as we grow our pipeline of affordable rental homes across the country.

“These new homes provide a fantastic option for people in later life in the Beeston area. They offer sustainable and affordable extra care apartments with care available on-site. In addition, a number of local job opportunities will be available as the development nears completion.”

Liz Conner, Leeds City Council’s commissioning manager, adults and health, added: “As a council we are continuing to work very closely with partners through our Extra Care programme to support the introduction of specialist housing for older people aged over 55 in communities across the city.

“We very much welcome therefore this new housing scheme in Beeston which when completed, will provide 63 new self-contained properties for older residents to live in and enjoy.”