Largest All-Affordable High-Rise Saxton Heights Completes in Leeds 2026

Key Points

• Saxton Heights, a high-rise development in Leeds city centre, has completed as the largest all-affordable scheme of its type in the city, delivering 207 new apartments for affordable rent.
• Developed by United Living for Vico Homes, the £42m project provides a mix of one- to four-bedroom homes, including four wheelchair-accessible units and 200 cycle spaces.
• Built on a former brownfield car garage site, it supports city centre regeneration.
• Funded by £1.2m from West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Homes England grants.
• Residents expected to move in over coming months.
• Statements from Mayor Tracy Brabin, Vico Homes CEO Martyn Shaw, Councillor Mary Harland, Homes England’s Shahi Islam, and United Living’s Kevin Morris highlight commitment to affordable housing and partnerships.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) April 8, 2026

What is Saxton Heights and Why is it Significant for Leeds Housing?

Leeds has completed Saxton Heights, billed as the largest all-affordable high-rise scheme in the city, delivering over 200 new homes in the city centre.

The development, undertaken by Vico Homes and constructed by United Living, totals £42m and offers 207 apartments all available for affordable rent. These include a mix of one- to four-bedroom units, with four homes adapted for wheelchair users, alongside 200 cycle spaces to promote sustainable travel.

Residents are set to move into the completed project over the coming months. The site, previously an old car garage on brownfield land, now contributes to the ongoing regeneration of this central Leeds area.

As reported by Housing Digital, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, stated:

“Affordable homes provide the stability needed to open up a world of opportunities for families. I am committed to delivering a new generation of homes for local people here in West Yorkshire so that they can get on in life. Sites like Saxton Heights are just the beginning. What was once an old car garage is now over 200 affordable homes. In partnership with Vico Homes and Leeds City Council, we’ve shown we can turn brownfield land into good quality affordable and accessible homes for local families.”

Who Funded Saxton Heights and What Role Did Partners Play?

The project received £1.2m in investment from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, along with grant funding from Homes England. These contributions enabled the transformation of the brownfield site into residential housing.

Martyn Shaw, chief executive at Vico Homes, commented as covered by Housing Digital:

“We’re growing fast, with ambitious plans to deliver 10,000 new homes over the next 10 years. Saxton Heights is our biggest project yet and shows we’re delivering on our promises. This is about more than a new building. It’s 207 affordable homes people in Leeds need, right in the heart of the city. We’ve made it happen through strong partnerships and we’re excited about what we can deliver next, together.”

Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, added:

“As a city, Leeds has an impressive track record when it comes to delivering good-quality affordable homes. We know, though, that there is still more to do and so I’m delighted that Saxton Heights is now finished and ready to welcome its first residents. It will make an important contribution to ongoing efforts – across public, private and other sectors – to ensure that the housing needs of all local people are being properly met. Affordable homes of the kind we see at Saxton Heights can have a transformative impact, not just on individual lives but on surrounding areas and communities as well.”

How Does Homes England View This Development?

Shahi Islam, director of affordable housing grants at Homes England, said:

“As the government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives. This development in Leeds is a prime example of how the agency works with local partners through the Affordable Homes Programme to build the homes people need and create new thriving communities.”

Kevin Morris, national construction director at United Living, noted:

“United Living strives to create sustainable housing solutions that have a positive impact. We are delighted to have delivered this project on behalf of Vico Homes, providing much-needed affordable housing for local people and families in Leeds.”

What Features Does Saxton Heights Offer Residents?

The 207 apartments cater to varied needs with one- to four-bedroom configurations. Four units are suitable for wheelchair users, ensuring accessibility. The inclusion of 200 cycle spaces underscores a focus on sustainable transport options in the city centre location.

This setup aligns with broader efforts to repurpose urban brownfield sites, continuing regeneration in Leeds city centre. The project’s completion marks a milestone in addressing housing demand through affordable options.

Background of the Development

Saxton Heights originated from the redevelopment of a brownfield site formerly occupied by an old car garage in Leeds city centre. Vico Homes partnered with United Living for construction, supported by funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (£1.2m investment) and Homes England grants via the Affordable Homes Programme.

The initiative reflects collaborations between local government, housing associations, and national agencies to convert underused urban land into residential properties. Leeds City Council has maintained a track record in affordable housing delivery, with this project adding to public-private sector efforts. Vico Homes positions it as their largest endeavour to date, part of a plan for 10,000 homes over the next decade.

Predictions: How This Affects Leeds Residents and Families

This development provides 207 affordable rental homes in central Leeds, offering stability for local families seeking city centre living without high costs. Residents gain access to one- to four-bedroom units, including wheelchair-accessible options, which can meet diverse housing needs and support independent living. The 200 cycle spaces encourage reduced car use, potentially lowering transport expenses and aligning with sustainable urban lifestyles.

For surrounding communities, the repurposed brownfield site contributes to area regeneration, possibly enhancing local amenities and economic activity. Leeds families and individuals on waiting lists for affordable housing may find quicker access to central locations, aiding employment and education opportunities. Ongoing partnerships could lead to similar projects, gradually increasing supply to address city-wide demand.