Work has begun on the next phase of housing renewal in Holbeck, marking the first scheme to move on site as part of the wider Heart of Holbeck regeneration programme.
The third phase of the Holbeck housing renewal programme will see warmer, greener homes delivered from 2026, with at least 180 properties set to benefit from significant upgrades. Homes included in the scheme span council-owned, owner-occupied and private rented properties across the neighbourhood.
The improvements form part of a £15.9 million Local Regeneration Fund investment aimed at delivering priorities identified in Holbeck’s original Neighbourhood Improvement Plan. Alongside housing renewal, future phases of the Heart of Holbeck programme will also bring investment in a key community centre and major improvements to the local centre, public realm, infrastructure and green spaces, with those schemes expected to come forward later in 2026.
The housing renewal contract has been awarded to sustainable regeneration specialist Equans. Planned works include external insulation, new roofs, windows and doors, improving the overall energy efficiency and condition of homes. The programme builds on previous group housing work in Holbeck, as well as similar schemes delivered in Armley, Little London and Seacroft.
Funding for the scheme comes from a Local Regeneration Fund grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), alongside additional sources including the Great British Insulation Scheme and Warmer Homes grant funding. Leeds City Council is working in partnership with MHCLG, Equans and local householders to improve housing stock in one of the city’s most deprived neighbourhoods.
The upgrades are expected to make homes easier and more affordable to heat, helping to reduce fuel poverty and cold-related illness among vulnerable residents. The scheme is scheduled for completion by the end of spring 2027.
This latest phase follows two earlier rounds of group housing improvements in Holbeck, which together upgraded around 300 homes. Phase one took place in 2017/18, with phase two delivered during 2021/22.
Leeds City Council says projects like this demonstrate its commitment to tackling social and health inequalities, improving living conditions and addressing climate change as part of its ambition to become the UK’s first net zero city.
Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said the scheme would help ensure everyone in the city has a home that supports their health and wellbeing.
She said: “Schemes like this one move us another step towards that hugely important goal. The work will make homes easier and cheaper to heat, which is vital at a time when many households are experiencing fuel poverty. There will also be environmental benefits, with improved energy efficiency leading to reduced carbon emissions.”
Councillor Asghar Khan, executive member for communities, customer services and community safety, said the programme would deliver benefits beyond bricks and mortar.
“This scheme isn’t just about improving homes – it’s about strengthening the community,” he said. “By making properties warmer, safer and more energy-efficient, we’re helping families reduce their bills, improve their health and feel proud of where they live.”
Sean Corcoran, regional director at Equans, said improving the energy efficiency of existing homes was one of the most effective ways to cut carbon emissions while supporting residents.
“These upgrades will make a real difference – locking in heat and making homes more affordable, comfortable and sustainable,” he said. “This project shows how partners can work together to combine expertise for the benefit of local people.”
