Leeds Jewish Housing Association (LJHA) has formally opened a development of 28 new affordable properties for families in the north of the city.
Marcia Brown cuts the ribbon to open LJHA’s new affordable homes development, watched by the association’s Director of Operations Craig Simons (left) and Chair of the Board Andrew Pliener
The construction of 14 two-bed and 12 three-bed homes, a two-bed apartment and a one-bed adapted ground floor apartment on the Queenshill estate marks the completion of the second phase of a two-part Leeds LJHA scheme part-funded by Homes England.
The first phase – made up of 51 sheltered housing apartments for residents aged 55 and over, and 34 general needs apartments – opened in 2022.
The ceremonial ribbon was cut by joint guests of honour Marcia Brown and her daughters Katie Taylor and Samantha Walton, who are all trustees of the Marcia and Andrew Brown Charitable Trust which provided invaluable support to the development.
They were joined by LJHA board members past and present, project partners, LJHA residents and other special guests.
LJHA’s Chair of the Board Andrew Pliener (left) and Chief Executive Mark Grandfield at the association’s new Queenshill estate development
Addressing the gathering, LJHA Chief Executive Mark Grandfield thanked residents for their patience during the construction process. “What we're finishing today is 113 properties, so you can see the difference we've made,” he said. “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 praised the local community for their financial backing which enabled the scheme to be delivered, commenting: “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.”
And he had a special word for Sheffield Jewish Housing Association which, prior to its closure, was able to redirect a Homes England grant to LJHA to bolster the new development. “We’re very grateful to Martin at Sheffield Jewish,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, the LJHA Chief Executive added: “The magic starts toward the end of September when everybody moves in, adding vitality to the Queenshill estate, bringing a new generation of families forward and really putting some more energy back into the community. And that was the whole point. As we celebrate what we've achieved, I'm really looking forward to seeing how it pans out in the next few years.”
Andrew Pliener, Chair of the LJHA Board, also paid warm tribute to the Brown family for their assistance, adding: “this wouldn't happen without that help and that commitment.”
He said: “Living with a construction site is not easy and we really appreciate the support of the residents. We really look forward to meeting the new families who are moving in very shortly.”
Marcia Brown said she and her daughters Katie and Samantha were honoured to be present. She told guests: “This project is reality, thanks obviously to all of you. 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.”
Rabbi Anthony Gilbert affixes a mezuzah to one of the new LJHA homes in north Leeds
He continued: “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.”
Following the ribbon cutting, guests joined LJHA residents to enjoy a celebratory family fun day featuring a host of attractions including a bouncy castle, face painting and a wide variety of stalls.