Key facts
Key facts
Overview
The £198m Leeds Housing Regeneration Project has delivered transformative improvements across Little London, Beeston Hill and Holbeck. This flagship initiative has created 388 new homes, refurbished 1,295 existing properties, and enhanced public green spaces.
With work beginning in September 2013, the project addressed long‑standing issues in some of the most deprived areas in the UK, where outdated estate layouts had contributed to anti-social behaviour, crime, and poor living conditions. Limited investment over the years had resulted in extensive refurbishment work being required to give the estates an extended lifespan, with the environment also requiring improvement to complement the planned stock investment.
Equans is also responsible for facilities management and lifecycle works for a period of 20 years.
Our work
Innovative and sustainable design
New properties were designed to blend seamlessly into their local surroundings while meeting high sustainability standards. Each new home was built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 and Lifetime Homes standards, incorporating:
- Photovoltaic solar panels
- Bike sheds and recycling bin stores
- Rainwater collection and water butts
- Compost bins
- Weather compensators
The homes were also designed in line with Secured by Design principles, ensuring the creation of a safe and comfortable community.
Energy-efficient refurbishments
Upgrades to existing properties ensured homes became warmer, more efficient, and cheaper to run. Benefits for residents included:
- Lower household energy bills
- Reduced CO₂ emissions
- Gas connections added to homes without previous access
Creating lasting change in the community
The project created lasting community change by offering a wide range employment and training opportunities, including over 50 apprenticeships, 70 work placements and 120 new jobs. An extensive programme of engagement with local schools and colleges helped inspire the next generation of construction professionals.
Beyond skills and employment, the regeneration work improved quality of life for those living in these areas of Leeds by delivering sustainable, high‑quality homes and creating cleaner, safer, greener neighbourhoods. As a result, communities have become stronger, more resilient and more positively perceived, with residents feeling proud of where they live.
Outcomes
Housing delivery and quality
- 388 new homes built
- 1,295 homes refurbished
- 97% customer satisfaction for refurbishment works
- £321.20 projected average annual energy bill savings per household
- Deprivation figures at a record low in Beeston Hill and Holbeck
Employment, skills and training
- New employment created for 128 people (majority local Leeds residents)
- 52 new apprenticeships created
- 12 existing apprenticeships safeguarded
- 8 trainee positions created
- 77 work experience placements
Longevity
- Ongoing maintenance and lifecycle works for 20 years, ensuring performance and community value are sustained.
Testimonials
“Not only has this scheme delivered much-needed new housing, but it has helped to regenerate communities in what have been some of the poorest areas of Leeds.”
Councillor Debra Coupar, Executive Board Member for Communities, Leeds City Council
Our expertise
Equans supports businesses, communities and the public sector by mobilising its expertise to provide low-carbon energy solutions, offer cutting-edge technical and FM services and transformative regeneration across the UK & Ireland.
