The neighbourhood
Little London is in a desirable location, situated immediately north of Leeds city centre and close to the universities and major employers. There are good transport links around its boundaries, but within the areas access could be improved. Clay Pit Lane, a dual carriageway which is a principal route into and out of the city centre, passes through the area.
Little London was developed as an area of major public sector housing in the 1960s and 1970s. The housing remains predominantly Council owned with a mixture of high, medium and low rise flats, sheltered flats, maisonettes and houses. The low rise Council homes were built in a ‘Radburn’ layout, with no vehicular access to many estate properties, few through roads and a network of pedestrian courtyards and footpaths. The general estate environment and public realm is of poor quality, with the current layout and design intensifying community safety and security issues. The neighbourhood parade of shops and community centre, whilst well used, are in need of modernisation.
Little London has a strong community spirit and focus and there is much interest and support for the regeneration of the area. Significant investment has already taken place including Little London Community Primary School and a Children’s Centre.
The PFI regeneration priorities for Little London are:
- Refurbishment of approximately 860 Council Houses.
- The demolition of 152 Council properties - selected maisonettes on Carlton Gate (nos 26-41 and 42 -64 even numbers only), Carlton Carr (1-25 odd numbers only), flats in Carlton Towers and selected bed-sits.
- Construction of 125 new council houses and flats.
- The development of new private homes on four development sites including some affordable housing.
- Environmental and safety improvements.
- The redevelopment of the neighbourhood centre.
- Repairs and maintenance service for new council homes and refurbished properties for a period of twenty years.
- Refurbishment of selected garages