Little London and Beeston Hill & Holbeck HRA Social Housing PFI Project

United Kingdom

The project - which began in September 2013 - represented a major investment in the regeneration of three areas in Leeds (Beeston Hill, Holbeck, and Little London) previously recognised as being among the 10% most deprived in the UK (with the design and layout of the estates often leading to anti-social behaviour and crime), and was to have a significant, positive and sustained impact on the lives of residents and businesses in these areas.

Sustainable Communities for Leeds Ltd (Sc4L), working in partnership with Leeds City Council (LCC) and EQUANS Regeneration Ltd (EQUANS) under a 20-year contract, brought social and economic change through the physical regeneration of these areas. The main programme of work included the refurbishment of 1,296 properties (including 7 high-rise buildings), the construction of 388 new homes (253 low-rise houses/apartments and 135 medium-rise buildings) and the transformation of green areas. The project also delivered enhanced environmental standards and improved community safety and secured investment benefits for the Leeds area through employment and training opportunities.

In a few words, the project has brought about transformational change, providing high-quality sustainable homes and improving the lives of local residents. It has created stronger, more self-reliant communities and safer, cleaner, and greener spaces — places where local residents are proud to live and where external perceptions have been transformed.