Holbeck wins £90 million regeneration bid

A Private Financial Initiative (PFI) bid was approved in April and is expected to see the creation of around 700 new homes, providing a mix of council and private homes for either rent or sale. They will replace existing council homes that have been deemed unfit for refurbishment.

The regeneration will also see refurbishment of 291 existing council homes including new kitchens, bathrooms and windows. It will also allow the updating of Ingram Court sheltered housing scheme for the elderly in Holbeck.

Cllr Les Carter, executive board member for Environment & Neighbourhoods, said: "Beeston Hill and Holbeck have long suffered from aging and deteriorating housing, which in turn had a knock-on effect for the area."

"This scheme will kick-start the major regeneration work we are undertaking here by providing a proper mix of decent, sustainable housing."

One local resident who welcomes the changes is Ann Hepburn, who has lived in the area for over 30 years: "Holbeck has a fantastic community and a lot to offer but it does have its problems like anywhere else and the money and regeneration will help us to change this. People seem to have an opinion about the area without giving it a chance, the changes will help to encourage people to see what we really have to offer."

For more information please contact:
Kate Baldwin 0113 2476225