Demolition work has begun on a long-disused block of flats in Beaumont Leys, paving the way for new affordable housing.
O’Connell Contracting has started dismantling The Leys building, located off Upper Temple Walk, following a competitive tendering process. The seven-storey block is being taken down floor by floor due to its close proximity to neighbouring properties. The work is expected to take around five months to complete.
Picture credit: Leicester City Council
Leicester City Council plans to redevelop the site, along with adjoining land at John Calvert Court, to create 52 new council homes and a toddler playground for the wider community.
This scheme is part of the council’s major investment in affordable housing across Leicester, designed to help tackle the impact of the national housing crisis.
Over the past three years, the council has invested around £200 million to deliver 1,100 new affordable homes. It now expects to surpass its original target of 1,500, with a total of 1,600 new homes projected by 2027.
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, who leads on housing, economy and neighbourhoods, said: “The demolition of The Leys building marks another important step in our ambitious plans to deliver more than 1,500 new affordable homes across the city.
Leicester continues to face a housing crisis, and it’s vital we do everything possible to meet the growing demand for high-quality, affordable housing.
Our plans for The Leys site will see 52 new council homes that meet local needs and bring new life to the area.”
The council purchased The Leys after it had stood empty for several years, following unsuccessful attempts to attract a developer to refurbish the building.
Leicester City Council declared a housing crisis in late 2022, highlighting the ongoing shortage of social housing across the city.
