54North Homes hails “flagship scheme”

A Yorkshire housing association has unveiled a “flagship” development it says will provide “much-needed, high-quality affordable housing” in the heart of Leeds.

Leonora House, a £12 million scheme by 54North Homes, brings 58 social rent flats, including one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, to Railway Street near the city centre.

The building, named after Leeds-born suffragette Leonora Cohen OBE, incorporates features such as dementia-friendly design, communal areas reflecting suffragette colours and sustainable features including solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.

Mark Pearson, managing director of 54North Homes, said: “I’m really proud we’ve delivered this flagship scheme.

“It’s going to make a big difference to the lives of its residents and is another step forward in tackling the shortage of affordable housing.

“Our development team have done an incredible job, and I pay tribute to them for bringing this scheme to fruition.

“I’d also like to thank all the stakeholders, including Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, for their invaluable contribution to this project.”

Built by Caddick Construction, the project includes a wheelchair-accessible apartment and several unique design elements that nod to the city’s textile history.

Part of a £26.5 million investment in new properties over 18 months, Leonora House represents a collaborative effort with funding from Homes England, Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund.

54North Homes chair Steve Secker performed the opening ceremony with Councillor Jessica Lennox from Leeds City Council, while Joanna Chambers, director of assets and growth at 54North Homes, led guests on a tour of the building.

Councillor Lennox, the council’s executive member for housing, said: “As part of our focus on driving regeneration activity that can deliver benefits for everyone, we want to ensure new residential developments in Leeds cater for different housing needs.

“I’m therefore delighted we’ve been able to use affordable housing funding to support this scheme and secure new homes that are being let for low-cost social rent.

“The development also promises to be a fitting tribute to the life and legacy of Leonora Cohen, a woman with an important place in Leeds’s history and one whose story continues to inspire.”

Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire, added: “The opening of Leonora House is another milestone in delivering more much-needed, high-quality affordable housing across our region.”

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