Unity Homes and Enterprise has increased its presence across Leeds by adding 22 newly-refurbished properties to its affordable housing stock in a £1.25 million investment.
Last year, the BME-led housing association completed a deal with the Riverside Group to purchase 12 two-bed semi-detached houses in Harehills and 10 one-bed flats in Pudsey.
A major works programme has since been undertaken to fit new kitchens and bathrooms, upgrade central heating and replace windows and external doors.
Other improvements include insulation in roof space areas, new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, energy efficient lightbulbs in all rooms and brick work repointing.
Ali Akbor, Chief Executive of Unity Homes and Enterprise, said: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to purchase these homes, following a process of due diligence.
“Riverside, which has its headquarters in Liverpool, undertook a national review of its stock and this acquisition made good sense for Unity.
“Following the works programme, all 22 homes are now in pristine condition and represent excellent additions to our expanding portfolio in Leeds and beyond.
“Unity has long-established Harehills as one of our priority areas and have been active there for many years.
“Although we own and manage significant stock in West Leeds, Pudsey is a new and exciting part of the city to be involved with.
“Our staff are forming good relationships with the tenants at both locations and look forward to working with them and the surrounding communities to improve lives.”
Mr Akbor visited two tenants at Chapel Fold in Pudsey to find out how they were settling into their modernised homes, which were originally constructed in the 1970s
Mrs Mortimer, a Chapel Fold tenant, in her brand-new kitchen with Unity Chief Executive Ali Akbor
Mrs Mortimer, who has lived in her flat for more than seven years, was delighted with the improvements.
She said: “They’ve made a big difference. I only had a small kitchen but it’s lovely now. It serves its purpose, everything fits in.”
The Unity Chief Executive also called in with Mrs Emerson, who has resided in her Pudsey home for almost three years. She was also pleased with the refurbishment work.
Mrs Emerson said: “I like it here. The new breakfast bar is really helpful and creates a lot more space. The washer/drier is fabulous and saves me having to go out in bad weather.”
Unity Chief Executive Ali Akbor pays a visit to Mrs Emerson in her newly-refurbished Chapel Fold home
Commenting afterwards, Mr Akbor said: “It was a real pleasure to meet both Mrs Mortimer and Mrs Emerson, and to hear their positive feedback.
“Unity’s mission is to provide high quality affordable homes, improve people’s lives and help the communities we serve to become more vibrant, inclusive and prosperous.
“These are solemn commitments from which we will never waver.”