In 2019, Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association, now known as 54 North Homes, successfully bid to develop the vacant Yorkshire Rider’s Sports Club site on Railway Street into affordable housing. This project was developed in close collaboration with Leeds City Council, benefiting from the Brownfield Development Fund.

The proposal centres around Leonora House, which comprises a block of 58 apartments, featuring one, two, and three-bedroom units available for social rent. The design includes a renewed urban green space that offers private residential gardens, a communal garden, and a wider public open space accessible to everyone.

Leonora House is connected to the ‘Leeds Pipes’ district heating system via the Energy Centre located opposite. This system provides hot water for the development and utilizes heat generated as a by-product from burning non-recyclable waste. Each apartment is equipped with mechanical ventilation that includes heat recovery. The development also features low-carbon energy sources, electric vehicle (EV) charging points, and cycle storage to promote environmentally friendly travel options.

All apartments are designed and constructed to a high standard. Each home features flexible layouts that include workspace areas, and the larger apartments come with designated office spaces to accommodate the growing trend of remote work. Ground floor apartments have their own private gardens with level access. Additionally, a landscaped communal garden is available for all residents, which opens up to the new public green space south of the Energy Centre.

This project utilised Right to Buy (RTB) funding from Leeds City Council and complies with the Nationally Described Space Standard (NDSS), as well as M4(2) and M4(3) accessibility regulations.