An apartment specially designed for a disabled tenant will be the “jewel in the crown” of a new Leeds Jewish Housing Association (LJHA) development of 28 affordable homes when it opens later this year.
Adam outside his specially designed property which forms part of LJHA’s latest affordable homes development.
The properties – 14 two-bed and 12 three-bed homes, a two-bed apartment and a ground floor one-bed apartment meticulously designed for the needs of Adam, a long time LJHA tenant – will form the second phase of a two-part scheme part-funded by Homes England with generous support from The Marcia and Andrew Brown Charitable Trust, and Sheffield Jewish Housing.
The first phase - opened in 2022 and named Best Housing Development at the Chartered Institute of Housing Northern Awards 2023 - is made up of 85 new properties including 51 sheltered housing apartments for residents aged 55 and over, and 34 general needs apartments.
Phase two, known as The Island Site, is due for completion this summer following a ground-breaking ceremony on the Queenshill estate in May 2025 led by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Dan Cohen.
Craig Simons, LJHA’s Director of Operations, said the countdown to the handover from design and build contractor Jack Lunn Limited was now gaining pace, with particular attention on ensuring Adam’s needs were fully addressed.
“Adam is an existing tenant and a permanent wheelchair user,” Craig said.
“We paid for a professional occupational therapist to work directly with Adam to match the property specifically to his needs and those of his partner, who is able-bodied. Following multiple consultation meetings, the contractors were tasked with installing automated features to the front door, a fully electric rise and fall kitchen and bespoke changes to the original design of the bedroom, bathroom and even garden.”
Craig added: “Adam has been a pleasure to work with. We hope he will be really happy in his new apartment.”
Adam commented. “I am extremely excited to be moving into this new adapted property. It’s going to make my life so much easier as my current property is just not suitable for me anymore.
“It’s been a pleasure working so closely with LJHA they have been extremely supportive. It will also be nice being close to more family members and staying within the local Jewish community.”
Mark Grandfield, LJHA Chief Executive, said: “We are thrilled at the rapid progress of the new scheme and cannot wait to hand over the keys to our new tenants in a few months from now.
“The Queenshill estate is already home one to one of the most vibrant communities in Leeds. The 28 additional properties will provide yet another boost to the area, each built to the highest standards with separate lounge and kitchen diners, private gardens, designated parking spaces and future-proofed heating systems.
“Adam’s new apartment is unique amongst them and will be the jewel in the crown of the Island Site development.”