LJHA completes 113-home scheme

A housing association has boosted the supply of affordable homes in north Leeds with a new 28-property development.

Leeds Jewish Housing Association (LJHA) has completed the second phase of its Queenshill estate scheme in the north of the city, part-funded by Homes England.

The development comprises 14 two-bedroom and 12 three-bedroom houses, alongside a two-bedroom apartment and an adapted one-bedroom ground-floor apartment.

Its first phase, which opened in 2022, delivered 51 sheltered housing apartments for people aged 55 and over and 34 general-needs properties.

The new homes were formally opened by Marcia Brown and her daughters Katie Taylor and Samantha Walton, trustees of the Marcia and Andrew Brown Charitable Trust, which supported the development.

Further backing came through a Homes England grant redirected to LJHA by Sheffield Jewish Housing Association before its closure.

Residents, project partners and guests marked the opening with a family fun day featuring activities and community stalls.

LJHA chief executive Mark Grandfield said: “What we're finishing today is 113 properties, so you can see the difference we’ve made. 

“The previous properties were built in the 1950s.  

“They weren’t the right homes, but they were definitely in the right place. 

“Taking the decision to demolish people’s homes and rebuild was difficult, but it was the right one. 

“We recognise the significant upheaval that they went through but hope they were comforted by the fact that we were able to honour our promise of rehousing every resident who wished to remain with LJHA.”   

He added: “A number of community members supported us. 

“Marcia and Andrew Brown came and saw what this project might mean for the community.  

“We will be eternally grateful for the tremendous support the Trust showed to turn this into reality.”    

Marcia added: “What an amazing achievement. 

“We’re so happy to be able to support Leeds Jewish Housing Association with the wonderful work that you do; it’s just amazing to see this new development.”

Affixing a mezuzah (small case containing sacred scripture) to one of the new homes, Rabbi Anthony Gilbert said everyone had come to the opening “to witness the fulfilment of a dream.”

He added: “I call this the affixing of the mezuzah, but the consecration is a very positive light of this phase of the Leeds Jewish Housing Association.

“I’m familiar with the history and I’m truly honoured and take it as a great privilege to affix a mezuzah to a door of a property that was the work and the vision of Leeds Jewish Housing Association.”

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