Leeds Jewish Housing Association (LJHA) has added reason to celebrate its 70th anniversary after winning the supported/sheltered housing scheme of the year prize at the Northern Housing Awards 2023.

The accolade was in recognition of LJHA’s £14 million development at Queenshill Avenue in Moortown, the biggest in its history, which incorporates 51 sheltered housing apartments for the over-55s and 34 general needs flats.

Attached to 130 properties in three other buildings, they form a sheltered village of 181 apartments for older people, who enjoy secure access to the Ziff Community Centre.

Award judges praised the development as “a scheme that reflects the close relationship between the provider and its community, showing the benefits of vision and perseverance. Fantastic work!”

The trophy was presented to senior LJHA representatives at the awards ceremony in Manchester.

LJHA chief executive Mark Grandfield said the association had been established “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.

He added that the award was “a testament to the years of forethought and the 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.”