City landmark tower blocks to go

FIVE landmark tower blocks in Leeds are coming down to make way for new homes as part of the first major council housing building programme in the city for decades.

Leeds City Council is clearing the outdated blocks to make the site available for a housing project due to start next year in a project that marks the end of an era.

It includes the building of new council homes, refurbishment of existing council homes and environmental improvements.

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Council bosses hope the redevelopment of 275 new homes across a number of sites in Beeston Hill & Holbeck will help bring a new lease of life to two of Leeds's most deprived neighbourhoods.

Tomorrow work is due to begin demolishing the first of the five towers when a specialist machine will begin removing layers of the tower block by nibbling away at the building.

The five being demolished are the three Holbeck Towers and Gaitskell Court and Grange.

The new housing will be adaptable to meet the different needs of individuals or families over a lifetime. The proposals are for a mix of flats and family housing enabling people with growing families to stay in the area and remain part of the community.

All former residents have been re-housed.

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Edith Craighead, who moved into Holbeck Towers in 1960 and lived there for 48 years, said: "When I first moved in I felt I was living up in the air – nearly to heaven.

"There were nice neighbours and people seemed to stay but in later years it wasn't the same.

"I am pleased that houses are going to be built on this site; with streets people helped each other more."

Last night Coun Les Carter, Leeds City Council's executive board member for neighbourhoods and housing said: "The demolition signifies the end of an era but also progress in addressing housing needs for how we live today and for future generations.

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"Holbeck Towers have had their day and decline, for many reasons over the years, has been apparent.

"It is no longer cost effective to refurbish these blocks due to the way they were built so it is a great opportunity to build brand new council housing.

"Holbeck Towers are a prominent landmark in the city and visible on the approach to Leeds. At this gateway site we want to build quality housing that gives a positive impression of the city."

The regeneration of Little London and Beeston Hill & Holbeck is being led by Leeds City Council in partnership with not-for-profit companies set up by the council to manage and improve council housing stock.

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The work is being carried out under the Government's Private Finance Initiative and the authority is now looking for a contractor for the works.

The PFI contract with the private sector will be for the building of new council homes, refurbishment of council properties, some environmental improvements and maintenance over a 20 year period.

Meanwhile, yesterday people got the chance to look around another housing development in Pudsey that has recently been completed.

Leeds City Council unveiled the homes for older people at Chaucer Gardens, in Pudsey, the first scheme to completed under an affordable housing partnership.

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It comprises six two-bedroom bungalows for shared ownership and 10 two-bedroom social rented apartments. The scheme is intended for people age 55 and over.

The partnership was established to make use of council-owned land and attract public funding so that more affordable housing can be built.