Lets Talk with Ann Leslie of Lar Housing Trust

October 10, 2024

Episode 92 features Ann Leslie, CEO of Lar Housing Trust, discussing the latest developments in affordable housing in Scotland. It’s been three years since Ann was a guest on Lets Talk, and since then, Lar Housing Trust has reached a major milestone with the completion of the St Kentigern’s Rope Walk development in Edinburgh’s Fountainbridge. Ann explains about the significance of this project and she and host, Gillian Semmler, discuss a range of topics from sustainable building practices to balancing affordability and financial sustainability.

A Brief Overview of Lar Housing Trust and its Structure

Ann provides a quick refresher for listeners unfamiliar with Lar Housing Trust. Lar’s mission is to deliver high-quality, mid-market rental homes for people who might otherwise struggle to find affordable housing. Ann explains about the group structure within Lar, where different entities support its unique activities and the benefits of such a structure.

The Completion of St Kentigern’s Rope Walk Development

One of the highlights of the conversation is the St Kentigern’s Rope Walk development, a landmark project for Lar. Ann shares the story behind this site, which involved converting a semi-derelict church into affordable energy-efficient homes while preserving as much of the original building as possible. Ann discusses the challenges of working on such a historically significant site and the integration of a new-build block alongside the church conversion.

Sustainability was a key focus in the development, with features like a ground source heating pump—a rare and costly choice for a city centre location. Ann explains why Lar chose this renewable energy source and how it aligns with their goal of creating environmentally friendly housing.

Partnering with RSBi: A Socially Responsible Collaboration

Another fascinating aspect of the St Kentigern’s project is Lar’s partnership with Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries (RSBi), a social enterprise that provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities. RSBi produced the furniture displayed in these photos of one of the townhouses, and Ann shares how important it is for Lar to collaborate with socially responsible organisations. This partnership highlights the broader impact that housing projects can have on the community, going beyond just the buildings themselves.

Balancing Affordability and Sustainability

Ann and Gillian also discuss the balance between providing affordable rents and maintaining financial sustainability. Ann explains that Lar sets rents below the local average, but must still cover costs to ensure the long-term viability of its developments. Striking this balance is particularly challenging in a volatile housing market, but Ann shared insights into how Lar makes it work through careful financial planning and partnerships with commercial funders.

Future Developments and the Mid-Market Rent Landscape

Looking ahead, Ann gives us a glimpse into some of Lar’s upcoming projects. With a number of innovative developments in the pipeline, Lar is set to continue its mission of providing much-needed affordable housing in Scotland. Ann discusses the broader mid-market rent landscape, and offers her recommendations for policymakers and industry leaders to help accelerate the development of affordable housing in the future.

A Personal Insight: Work-Life Balance and Leadership

To close the conversation, Gillian asks Ann about her three-year career break to raise her children when she gained a deep appreciation for the importance of work-life balance, particularly for women in leadership roles. She shares some valuable advice for women trying to balance family life with a demanding career, emphasising the need for flexibility and support both in and outside the workplace.

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