Big Build launched at MIPIM

Ambitious plans to deliver 10,000 new homes by 2023 were launched today as part of the Leeds City Region's activity at the international property and economic development conference MIPIM 2018.

The Big Build is a comprehensive programme of proactive activity to accelerate the rate of house building across the Kirklees district, by working collaboratively with private landowners, major house builders, housing associations and small site developers, in order to increase the supply of new homes.

Cllr Shabir Pandor, Deputy Leader of Kirklees Council, confirmed that the council is proposing to build 1,000 of the 10,000 homes planned itself on council-owned sites, and delivered through a newly created Housing Development Company.

Cllr Pandor told MIPIM delegates and investors: “We’re proud to have been invited to take part in the Leeds City Region’s delegation at MIPIM this year, which has given us the opportunity to put Kirklees in the spotlight, and launch The Big Build in the best way possible, to so many influential international developers and investors.

"The Big Build is a major opportunity for us to accelerate the rate of housing delivery across Kirklees. This not only provides the homes our residents need, but looking outwardly, helps us as a region to attract and retain the talent which businesses across the Leeds City Region need to fuel growth, and underpin our regional economy as a whole.

"We know that we have a great deal to offer people in terms of lifestyle here in Kirklees. Our great strength is our location at the centre of the Northern Powerhouse - on the major north/south and east/west M1/M62 corridors of the M1 and M62. Around 70% of our district is rural, yet neighbouring cities are commutable within 40 minutes.

"We have England’s top performing sixth form – Greenhead College, and a University voted No1 in the world for teaching excellence. Huddersfield has been recognised previously as a town offering the best and most affordable quality of living, and house price growth reported by the Halifax Bank over the last 12 months, puts Huddersfield in the Top Ten of towns in the UK. This is certainly a great place to live.”