1987 – Unity Housing Association is born
Following a meeting at the Roscoe Church, Chapeltown – The decision is made to establish Unity Housing Association.
“When we met that Saturday … I never dreamed we would achieve this much.”
Georgina Webbe, founder member
History of Unity
See how Unity has grown since 1987
1988 - Unity has it's first 13 homes
Unity’s property portfolio stands at 13 properties
1990 - Unity increase housing stock to 68 homes
Unity’s property portfolio increases to 68 properties including 30 as part of the organisations first development programme
1991 - Unity open new development scheme - Unity Close, Leeds
The Right Reverend Bishop Wood of Croydon and Housing Corporation Board member opens Unity Close a scheme of 20 family homes that takes the portfolio total to 159
1993 - Unity Housing Association appoint a new Chair
Clinton Cameron MBE becomes Chair; Unity adopts a 3 year business plan which sets out future growth, development and direction
1994 - Unity's new office - Chapeltown Road, Leeds
Unity moves into its new offices on Chapeltown Road. The office incorporates a striking new architectural frontage called “tangled roots.”
1997 - Unity's 10th birthday
Unity celebrates its first decade and demonstrates its maturity with improved accountability and more rigorous governance procedures
1998 - Unity's special guest
Unity’s reputation spreads far and wide with a visit from South African housing minister Mrs Sankie Mtlembi-Manhanyele. It also completes its first ‘in-house’ development scheme
1999 - Unity Housing appoint a new Chief Executive
Ali Akbor is appointed Chief Executive of the Association. Housing stock climbs to over 800 and the first Tenants’ Forum meets.
2000 - Unity Property Services is established
Unity takes over management of Chapeltown & Harehills Enterprise Ltd and sets up Unity Property Services now Unity Enterprise.
2002 - 15 successful years
Unity celebrates 15 successful years. Chairman Clinton Cameron MBE reflects on a proud past and predicts plenty of challenges in the future
2005 - Unity a growing "Enterprise"
Unity Enterprise, through Chapeltown Enterprise Centre and Unity Business Centre, offers over 90 workshops for local business and enterprises
2007 - 'Brand' new era
2007 - 'Brand' new era
Unity launches its new brand which reflects its growing reputation both locally and regionally
2009 - Unity achieves 'Investor's in People' award
Unity achieves ‘Investors In People’ and takes over management of the Leeds Media Centre
2011 - Unity building for the future
Unity continues to build and invest in its existing properties with new developments across Leeds
2012 - Unity Housing Association's 25th anniversary
Unity Housing Association celebrates “25 years” of being a leading BME housing association in Leeds.
2013 - Unity Housing Association restored to former glory
The building underwent a dramatic transformation and has been restored to how it would have appeared in its Victorian heyday.
2015 - Our first development outside of Leeds
Unity completed our first development outside of Leeds – Trinity Court in Huddersfield
2017 - Unity Housing Association celebrates pearl anniversary
Unity celebrates another milestone after 30 years of supporting BME communities while building sustainable neighbourhoods
2021 - Cedric Boston appointed as new Unity Chief Executive
Cedric Boston is appointed as Unity Chief Executive.
Unity is a member of BME National – read more about 30 years of BME housing associations on the link below.
