UKREiiF | £16m funding boost for Caddick’s South Village
The developer and Homes England have used the property exhibition to unveil a new infrastructure grant for the 2,000-home mixed-use scheme in Leeds, two years after the urban village was officially launched at the event.
Located just off Meadow Road, the Caddick Group development was long billed as City One before being rebranded upon receiving planning consent in March 2024.
The derelict land has outline permission for 1,925 homes, alongside commercial spaces and green areas and the funding will allow Caddick Group to progress vital infrastructure works including roads, utilities, and significant green space.
With SimpsonHaugh is engaged as architect, it is intended to be a focal point for the wider South Bank regeneration area, one of the focus areas of Homes England’s Strategic Place Partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and a contender to be one of the government’s New Towns.
The site will also be part of plans to establish a Mayoral Development Zone, first proposed in March, which would cover a broad area across Leeds city centre and act as a delivery vehicle for up to 20,000 homes, local jobs, new public spaces, cultural destinations, and commercial developments.
Cllr James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council said: “The momentum we are seeing across the South Bank is clear. Between the ongoing works at Elland Road and now the progress here at South Village, we are transforming this area into a vibrant destination for residents and businesses alike.
“With future milestones at sites like the Royal Armouries still to come, the scale of our ambition is becoming a reality. The progress and speed which we are making this happen is a testament to the power of partnership and the spirit of collaboration that defines our city.”
Lee Savage, director at Caddick and project lead for South Village, Leeds, said: “The funding from Homes England marks a major milestone for South Village and Caddick’s aspirations for the Leeds’ South Bank, enabling us to move decisively into delivery.
“The infrastructure works now getting underway are significant in both scale and complexity and will lay the foundations for the new neighbourhood, delivering essential roads, footpaths and cycleways, and unlocking the site for rapid onward development.
“We’re proud to be working in close partnership with the Government, Homes England, Leeds City Council, and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to transform this long-derelict site into a vibrant, sustainable mixed-use neighbourhood for the city.”
Tom Bridges, Homes England executive regional director for the North East and Yorkshire, said: “Leeds South Village is an example of how collaboration with multiple partners, coupled with essential, long term support to the sector, breeds confidence and breathes renewed energy into tailoring place-based solutions and realising a clear locally-led vision.
“It is so important to work closely with leaders and communities who know their area best to unlock progress, find solutions and create sustainable, high-quality homes and places that work for local people.”
Housing secretary Steve Reed said: “Our cash injection in Leeds will not only see local families achieve the homeownership dream but it will also open the door to job opportunities, community facilities, and more green spaces. By working together, we can make a real difference in this special part of the city.”
Amy Rees, Homes England chief executive, said: “We are working at pace with partners across Leeds and West Yorkshire, and in places across England, to accelerate housing and regeneration delivery for people the length and breadth of the country and to help boost economic growth.”
