North England Gaining 1,000 New Homes and 2,400 Jobs on Leeds Project

North England is set to gain 1,000 new homes, a new railway station, an access road, and service the site of the new properties by late summer 2015 as National developer, Commercial Estates Group (CEG), spends £400m on the project.

In a statement the group said it has appointed contractor I & H Brown to deliver the Kirkstall Forge and Apperley Road development in Leeds, with work beginning this week, which in turn should create 2,400 jobs.

"Kirkstall Forge is unique; the quality of the on-site amenities combined with its stunning riverside and woodland location will undoubtedly make it one of the most sought-after destinations in the north for businesses and residents," said Rachel Reeves, MP for Leeds West.

"Kirkstall Forge is set to stimulate the local economy and will ultimately be a catalyst for major regeneration, much-needed housing delivery and job creation on a brownfield site."

CEG has already completed a multimillion pound investment into the demolition and remediation of the 23-hectare site but this month's start on the scheme will deliver a new railway station, access road and service the site by late summer 2015.

This will garner more than 1,000 new homes and 300,000 square feet of office space.

Once this is completed, it is tipped to boost the local economy by £5m (€6.3m, $8m).

"Today kick-starts one of the most ambitious schemes in Leeds' development pipeline. Working closely with Rachel Reeves MP, Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, we have ensured that something very special and unique can be delivered at Kirkstall Forge; this sustainable travel offer and the quality of the new amenities and stunning riverside location will undoubtedly make it one of the most sought-after destinations in the north for both businesses and residents," said Jon Kenny, Director of CEG.