New lease of life as Leeds estate gets revamp

Over the summer, 25 two and three-bedroom houses were handed over to the council at Garnet Grove in Hunslet and now house new tenants.

Forming part of Leeds City Council’s housing growth programme, which has seen over 600 new homes built across the city in the past six years, the new homes have solar panels, high levels of insulation, energy efficient glazing and heating systems to help reduce running costs for the new tenants.

And to create outside spaces for the area’s new families and existing residents, a new park has been created by the council’s Parks and Countryside service.

Works included removal of some plants, addition of shrubs, a grassed area, toddler play equipment and fencing

Thermoplastic markings were added to encourage children to make up their own games. Coun Debra Coupar, the council’s executive member for communities said: “I’m pleased to see how residents’ ideas have helped create a place where both existing and new families in the area can meet and get to know each other and their children can play safely.

“This new development just shows what can be achieved when residents, the council and partners all work together.”

It was originally planned that an existing playground on Tunstall Road would be refurbished but after consultation with residents it was agreed the former pocket park within the estate would be a better option.