Funding helps unlock urban village plans

A brownfield regeneration scheme in Leeds has moved a step closer following a multi-million-pound Government funding award.

Homes England has confirmed a £16 million infrastructure grant for developer Caddick Group to help deliver the Leeds South Village development.

The mixed-use scheme, located within the city’s South Bank regeneration area, has outline planning permission for 1925 homes, including affordable housing, alongside commercial space and public green areas.

Officials say the funding will support key infrastructure works including roads, utilities and landscaping across the former industrial site.

Lee Savage, director at Caddick and project lead for Leeds South Village, said: “The funding from Homes England marks a major milestone for South Village and Caddick’s aspirations for the Leeds’ South Bank, enabling us to move decisively into delivery.   

“The infrastructure works now getting underway are significant in both scale and complexity and will lay the foundations for the new neighbourhood, delivering essential roads, footpaths and cycleways, and unlocking the site for rapid onward development. 

“We’re proud to be working in close partnership with the Government, Homes England, Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to transform this long-derelict site into a vibrant, sustainable mixed-use neighbourhood for the city.” 

Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, added: “The momentum we are seeing across the South Bank is clear. 

“Between the ongoing works at Elland Road and now the progress here at South Village, we are transforming this area into a vibrant destination for residents and businesses alike. 

“With future milestones at sites like the Royal Armouries still to come, the scale of our ambition is becoming a reality. 

“The progress and speed which we are making this happen is a testament to the power of partnership and the spirit of collaboration that defines our city.” 

Leeds South Village also forms part of wider proposals for a new Mayoral Development Zone covering Leeds city centre, designed to unlock up to 20,000 homes, jobs and commercial opportunities across the region.

Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire, added: “Having a safe and secure home is a basic human right that everyone deserves, and this funding will help us support the delivery of thousands of much-needed homes for families. 

“Transforming disused land in Leeds South Village to build almost 2000 new, high‑quality homes will help us deliver record numbers of affordable homes, create new thriving communities, as well as protect vital green spaces. 

“Devolution is working in West Yorkshire, and we remain committed to working with partners such as Homes England as we build a stronger, brighter region that works for all.”

Homes England said the funding reflects its focus on accelerating large-scale regeneration projects through longer-term investment and flexible support for local authorities and development partners.

Amy Rees CB, chief executive at Homes England, added: “The agency is proud to support meaningful collaboration, powered by new funds, blended interventions and even deeper regional relationships, that mean once redundant spaces can become thriving places to live, work and grow for generations to come. 

“We are working at pace with partners across Leeds and West Yorkshire, and in places across England, to accelerate housing and regeneration delivery for people the length and breadth of the country and to help boost economic growth.” 

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