Swarcliffe housing project wins international gold award

15 May 2018

Swarcliffe housing project wins international gold award

A transformative scheme to redevelop a 1950s Leeds estate, deliver modern housing and create a sense of community has won a prestigious international partnership award.

Now in its 20th year, the Public Private Partnership awards highlights the best examples from public and private sectors across the world working together for a common goal and highlighting true innovation.

The winning Swarcliffe scheme which was delivered by a partnership of Leeds City Council, Yorkshire Housing, Yorkshire Transformations Ltd and HCP, was up against entries from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The scheme picked up the Gold Award in the Best Operational Project category.

The judges recognised that the Swarcliffe project has become an example of how regeneration can be delivered in a way that enhances an area for everyone, improving the lives of those that live there.

Councillor Debra Coupar, executive member for communities, said:

“This award is further recognition for our partnership working but most importantly the scheme has been of great benefit, improving the lives of people of all ages living here.

“The community has benefitted from new play areas, improved access and off-street parking areas for some, and tenants in council-owned properties had an overhaul of bathrooms, kitchens, new doors and windows and heating systems.”

As part of the scheme 1367 council-owned properties were refurbished out of a total of 1522 and the area now has a good mix of housing tenures, including council tenancies, owner occupiers, housing association and private.

Since the refurbishment, council houses coming available for rent in this area usually attract more than 300 bids each and private houses usually sell within one week of being put up for sale. The Swarcliffe partnership is also delivering a range of community services and benefits that go above and beyond the contract requirements, such as enabling young offenders to undertake community work and holding volunteer days that help create and maintain a sense of community.

Councillor Coupar added:

“It was the first area in Leeds to benefit from PFI Funding and the whole estate has literally been refurbished and improved. The judges clearly recognised the project has become an example of how regeneration can be delivered in a way that enhances an area for everyone.”

Sarah Sibbald, General Manager for Yorkshire Transformations Ltd said,

“It is an honour to be part of the transformational success of our project. Due to the hard work of Yorkshire Housing FM, Leeds City Council and Yorkshire Transformations over the years, this award demonstrates to our wider colleagues, that a collaborative partnership approach is the driver for this projects overwhelming success. Well done to all for this this amazing achievement.”

Sally Kendrick, PFI Project Manager for Yorkshire Housing said:

“Winning this award is such a proud moment for the partnership and the Swarcliffe PFI team, we’re all so passionate and invested in this project and for that to be recognised feels fantastic.”

Further details about the Public Private Partnership awards can be found at: http://partnershipsawards.partnershipsevents.com/

ENDS