Construction work has begun on a new £12 million housing development in Leeds.

Energy and regeneration specialist ENGIE will transform the site at Queenshill Avenue, Moortown, on behalf of Leeds Jewish Housing Association (LJHA), to create the social housing provider's biggest sheltered accommodation scheme to date.

A total of 22 existing properties have been demolished to make way for two new housing blocks, comprised of 85 one and two-bed apartments, more than 50 of which will be sheltered accommodation for older residents.

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Solar panels on the roof are expected to provide ten percent of the buildings' electricity, whilst increased insulation within each property will promote energy efficiency.

The new development will be connected to other accommodation owned by LJHA, to create one large sheltered village off Stonegate Road.

Sean Corcoran, Regional Director for ENGIE's Places & Communities division, said: "At ENGIE, our goal is to improve lives by creating better living environments for local people, so we are delighted to begin work on this much-needed energy efficient housing project here in Moortown.

"Over the years, there’s been an increase in the over 85’s age group in Leeds, with a third of all homes in the city being one-person households, and half of these are aged over 65. These figures signify a need for more affordable housing for the older generation and this development ticks all the boxes in providing a safe and secure home for those in need."

The project is expected to complete in December 2021.