Leicester Council Plans Demolition of Vacant Flats for Social Housing Project

An unoccupied apartment complex in Leicester is slated for demolition to pave the way for new residences as part of a city council social housing initiative. The Leys building, situated off Upper Temple Walk in Beaumont Leys, has been designated for removal. The council aims to construct up to 52 new homes on the existing site and adjacent land at John Calvert Court, which will also include a toddler playground for the broader community. The authority has indicated that the £15.5 million undertaking would assist in addressing a shortage of social housing throughout the city. In 2022, the council established a goal to create 1,500 new council, social, and supported living homes in Leicester by 2027. Deputy mayor Elly Cutkelvin stated: “Leicester continues to face a housing crisis and it essential we do everything we can to address the growing demand for high-quality affordable housing in the city.” The seven-storey block had been vacant for two years when the council acquired it in 2019 for £1.2 million, with the intention of bringing it back into use. Two prior attempts to redevelop the property failed due to “higher than expected costs” resulting from building “defects,” as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The council has described the building as currently being in “a state of disrepair” and has proposed an £800,000 demolition. If approved, the new apartment structures would reach a maximum height of four storeys. The project’s funding would be generated through the sale of council homes under Right to Buy laws, according to the council. Subject to approval from planners, the demolition of The Leys is anticipated to occur in 2025.