Work has started on the next phase of a multi‐million pound project to improve independent supported living across Leeds. The Greenmill Gardens extra care scheme in Seacroft will provide 64 one and two bedroom apartments and forms part of Leeds City Council’s £30 million housing programme to construct over 1,000 new homes by 2028.
Developed by Home Group, one of the UK’s largest providers of integrated housing and care, the £11 million service is being designed to maximise the independence of people requiring on‐going care and support, such as those with health conditions and older people.
Lindsay Courtney, clinical lead intermediate care and reablement, said: “This is the second of four sites we’re working with the council on to deliver further specialist housing for people across Leeds. “Home Group has a long history in building supported services and delivering care, and we work
hard to ensure the environments we create are designed to maximise independence for those that live in them.
“We want residents to remain active for longer, be less isolated and feel empowered to do the things they love. Our services encourage engagement with the local community, including the creation of shared facilities and amenities that everyone can enjoy.” As well as the 64 apartments, each with its own balcony, the service is also set to create a café, salon and communal gardens, all of which the local community will be able to access. Extra care housing is primarily for people who have care and support needs as well as a housing need. It helps to alleviate social isolation through access to shared facilities, dining and activities, and
provides on‐site and 24/7 emergency or unplanned care – an additional feature that differentiates it from other forms of retirement living.
The scheme is being delivered as a partnership between Home Group, Leeds City Council and developer Lovell Later Living, with Morgan Sindall Construction serving as contractor.
Councillor Fiona Venner, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children, families and adult social care said: “I’m delighted to see the start of work on this project which will provide a much needed accommodation boost for residents requiring additional care and support. Keeping people independent for as long as possible is a major benefit for their ongoing mental and physical wellbeing.”
Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for communities, said: “Making sure people can live independent lives, even if they have complex needs, is something we feel passionately about. Seeing this new facility taking shape at the heart of the neighbourhood is so welcome, especially as it’s creating new spaces for the existing community as well as new residents. We’re delighted to play our role in the partnership behind this housing scheme.”
Commenting on this significant milestone in the progress of this development, John Leary, interim managing director of Lovell Later Living said: “Greenmill Gardens is the second of four extra care schemes that Lovell Later Living are delivering, working in partnership with Leeds City Council and specialist Registered Provider Home Group.
“We are delighted that works are to commence on site and look forward to delivering a high‐quality build, working alongside our sister company, Morgan Sindall Construction, to provide much needed affordable housing that promotes independent living for the older people within the local community.”
Mark Lazenby, operations director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Yorkshire and North East, said: “The importance of social contact amongst those with care and support needs has been emphasised over the past year by the pandemic, and it’s vital that new residences of the highest standards are
built to cater for the often complex needs of our increasingly aging population. “It will therefore be a privilege to work with Home Group, Leeds City Council and Lovell Later Living on Greenmill Gardens. We look forward to creating a scheme that not only provides an exceptional environment for assisted living but will also be a key new asset for the local community.”
The service in Seacroft is due to be completed in 2022 with the first extra care scheme in this project, Amblers Orchard at Westerton Walk, West Ardsley, set to be completed later this year.