The 70th anniversary celebrations of Leeds Jewish Housing Association (LJHA) have received a huge boost after it won the trophy for Supported / Sheltered Housing Scheme of the Year at the Northern Housing Awards 2023.
Jayne Wynick, LJHA Chair, receiving the Northern Housing Award accompanied by the association’s Chief Executive Mark Grandfield (second from left) and Director of Operations Craig Simons (second from right)
The £14 million development at Queenshill Avenue in Moortown is the biggest in the association’s history.
It encompasses two buildings, Cherry Tree House, home to 51 sheltered housing apartments for those aged 55 and over, and Hillside, comprising 34 general needs flats.
They were officially opened in July last year by National Housing Federation Chief Executive Kate Henderson and Lord Mayor of Leeds Cllr Robert W Gettings.
The sheltered apartments are attached to 130 properties in three other buildings to form a sheltered village of 181 apartments for older people with secure access to the Ziff Community Centre.
In their adjudication, the Northern Housing Awards judges described the development as: “A scheme that reflects the close relationship between the provider and its community, showing the benefits of vision and perseverance.
“Their determination to build this scheme has paid off as clearly shown in the testimonials by the residents. Fantastic work!”
The trophy was presented to senior LJHA representatives at an evening ceremony in Manchester.
Mark Grandfield, LJHA Chief Executive, said: “70 years ago, LJHA was born out of a desire to support the Leeds Jewish community by providing good quality affordable homes.
“This development sits on the site of the very first homes built in 1953 and reiterates our commitment to another seven decades of supporting the community to come.
“The award is a testament to the years of forethought, great efforts and drive of staff, engaged tenants, designers, contractors and board members.
“They not only had the initial vision to develop this scheme to complete our sheltered village but ensured the ultimate result fits perfectly in the surrounding neighbourhood, offers great comfort for residents and is visually and architecturally stunning.”
An aerial view of Cherry Tree House (left) and Hillside
Jayne Wynick, LJHA Chair, said: “We are truly delighted to receive this award.
“It is testament to the hard work of the whole team at Leeds Jewish Housing Association over many years planning, building and now ensuring that all our residents are settled and happy within their homes.
“Many thanks go to Acanthus Architects, Identity Consult and Equans for being our partners in the build.”
Craig Simons, LJHA Director of Operations, said: "I want to pay special tribute to our wonderful residents who were so supportive during the construction phase which had added challenges following the onset of the pandemic.
“It was a long journey getting the project to completion.
“Winning the Northern Housing Award in our 70th year makes the ambitious nature of the project and incredible amount of dedication required to deliver it even more worthwhile.”