A completely derelict Victorian villa in Harehills has been turned into new homes for Leeds homeless, thanks to charity Latch (Leeds Action to Create Houses).
A £375,000 investment has seen the creation of four new, modern flats inside the sprawling, dilapidated house, now comprised of three one-beds and one two-bed flat.
These will now become homes for some of the city's most vulnerable residents, who will be supported by the charity to turn their lives around as they take steps towards more independent living.
Made possible thanks to support from Leeds City Council, Power to Change, and the Clothworkers Foundation. the renovation took around a year to complete.
A complete wreck at the start of the project, the team had to completely remodel and transform the house.
There was no heating or hot water, the roof was leaking and the windows were broken - but it has now been rewired, re-painted, plastered, theremall insulated and sound proofed by the Latch team.
"All the windows and doors have been replaced and new kitchens and bathrooms have been installed," explains James Hartley, CEO of Latch.
"The property has also been fully furnished to provide the new tenants with everything they need to make a fresh new start."
The charity is now busy assessing applications for the new homes.
There is an enormous demand for properties in Leeds from those who are homeless or in urgent housing need, with over 5,500 people currently homeless or living in poor quality housing.
It is estimated that there is a further 3,500 derelict, privately-owned and empty properties in the city ripe for projects like this.
Projects such as this play a vital role in tackling growing homelessness in the city.
Latch hopes to raise a further £350,000 this summer towards the costs of purchasing another six properties over the coming months and years, with funding also being sought from other grants and businesses.
Leeds
Three-acre padel court development set to move into historic Leeds landmark
Leeds-based Ollo Padel have revealed plans for a new three-acre padel and leisure destination at The Roundhouse.
It seems like padel is taking over the world at the moment, and it's about to take over Leeds.
Three years after the plans were first put forward, Ollo Padel is set to bring a state-of-the-art padel and leisure centre to the outskirts of the city centre.
The Roundhouse is a Grade II listed Victorian landmark that first opened in 1847 and will be brought back to everyday use as a community-led space before the end of 2026.
Image: Supplied
The new space will feature five covered and four open courts, alongside hospitality and social spaces, retail space, fitness studios, gyms and more.
Being a Leeds-based company, Ollo Padel are working to put Leeds’ communities at the heart of the new centre, with plans for free school coaching lessons, school partnerships, inclusive programmes for women and juniors and focusing on providing a non-intimidating environment for all-ages and abilities.
The development is expected to create 14 permanent on-site roles, spanning coaching, front-of-house, hospitality and operations, with a strong commitment to local recruitment.
Image: Supplied
Will Linley, Co-Founder (Founder of Linley & Simpson) said: “These proposals focus on sensitively bringing one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings back to life — restoring the Roundhouse and creating a place people can enjoy, feel proud of and use as part of everyday city life.
“Padel is a brilliant way to bring people together. We’re designing Ollo around the social side of the sport — creating a place that supports both physical and mental wellbeing through movement, play and connection”
Luke Gidney, Founder, Ollo Padel said: “We are so excited about the opportunity to create this centre for Leeds. We’re still at an early stage, and that really matters to us, because it means local residents, businesses and community groups can help shape the plans. We want to listen, learn and make sure the Roundhouse works day to day for the people around it.”
Behind the doors of this ‘charming’ old doctor’s surgery in Harewood on the market for £1.6 million
Clementine Hall
Fancy a look inside this beautiful former doctors house in the heart of Harewood?
Silly question, of course you do.
The only thing is, you'll need a spare £1.6 million before you can call it your own...but it doesn't hurt to have a look, does it?
Take a look behind this charming front door of what is, by far, one of the finest properties the Leeds housing market has to offer at the moment.
Images: Right Move/ North Residential
This Georgian family home features an impressive 6000 sq ft of accommodation as well as one of the most beautiful gardens we've ever seen.
I mean, how often do you have your own weeping willow tree in your front porch?
The house dates back to the late 1700’s and was once a former doctor’s surgery, but now it stands as one of the fanciest and most prestigious homes in Harewood.
Images: Rightmove / North Residential
We're already obsessed with the gorgeous stone and perfectly manicured landscape, but it's just as exciting when you take a look through the adorable sage green door.
The interior is giving cottage core but in the best way possible, we're talking plenty of wooden beams, solid oak flooring, original windows and of course a big fat AGA.
There's a whopping six bedrooms and three bathrooms (all featuring a sexy big bath), but the grounds are what really give this place the hefty price tag.
Images: Right Move/ North Residential
The listing itself states: "With its unique and private plot and rural walks on your doorstep, The Old Surgery provides a rare opportunity to enjoy tranquil village living, yet within striking distance to the hustle and bustle, in a home that is steeped in superb history."
Yep, we couldn't have put it better ourselves.
To have a proper nosey, take a look at the listing here.
Georgina Pellant -
24th May 2021 
