More than 50 residents gathered to meet their neighbours at the official opening of a new housing scheme.
Householders gathered at the ‘meet and greet’ event held at The Beverleys in Beeston, south Leeds, a mix of rented and shared-ownership properties providing opportunities for first time buyers.
The scheme of 55 two, three and four bedroom properties, was built by housing and regeneration company Keepmoat in partnership with Leeds City Council, Unity Housing Association and Chevin Housing Association.
The building project provided better quality housing stock for Leeds’s residents, and gave apprenticeship, work experience and training opportunities to local people too.
Among those to benefit were four apprentice joiners and bricklayers, while temporary jobs were found for six unemployed Leeds residents.
Councillor Richard Lewis, executive member for development and the economy, who also attended the event, said: “It is important that this development forms part of the wider regeneration of the area. I am delighted that it has brought in employment opportunities and apprenticeships to the benefit of local people.
“It is really positive that these properties have been sold in such difficult economic times and that they have replaced poor quality housing, meaning improved living conditions for residents.” During the open event, guests had the opportunity to visit a show home.
Residents were formally welcomed by Ali Akbor, Unity’s chief executive, and Amanda Garrard, managing director of Chevin Housing Association.
The ‘Home is where the heart is’ event was followed by a buffet at Rowland Road Working Men’s club.
Grant funding of £2.2m was awarded by the Homes and Communities Agency towards the project, with 28 of the homes for social rent and the remaining 27 available for shared ownership.
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