New £5.4m affordable housing development opens in Leeds

Local dignitaries, contractors and developers The Salvation Army Housing Association and The Salvation Army held a special ceremony to celebrate the new £5.4m Copper Beech Avenue development in Bramley.

The new estate replaces the Salvation Army’s former Mount Cross Families Centre, which provided a haven for thousands of single women and families for 85 years before it closed in September 2012.

The centre has now been turned into 29 one and two-bed apartments, which sits alongside the 54 new one, two and three bedroom houses and flats.

The development also boasts communal gardens with boulders and stepping stones to encourage children to play outside.

Salvation Army bosses say they are now keen to create a “strong sense of community” by encouraging locals willing to share their talents, skills and hobbies with each other.

Church leader Captain Caroline Heward said: “A thriving community isn’t one that divides and separates its members, but one in which individuals can come together and learn from and empower each other. So, it makes sense that, at the heart of this brand new community, The Salvation Army is continuing its 150-year work of offering welcome, support and friendship by discovering what opportunities people would like to uncover and to encourage them to commit their time and skills to benefit everyone. I’m looking forward to seeing how we harness people’s talents and interests to ensure Bramley continues to be a thriving community.”

To get involved, contact Captain Heward on [email protected] or 0113 256 9211.