The Government has given its backing to a multimillion-pound private-finance initiative (PFI) regeneration scheme planned by Leeds City Council. The housing regeneration scheme for Beeston Hill and Holbeck promises to transform one of the city's most deprived areas, situated south of the city centre. ‘Beeston Hill and Holbeck have long suffered from ageing and deteriorating housing which, in turn, has a knock-on effect for the area,' said Cllr Les Carter, executive member for environment and neighbourhoods. Around 700 new homes will be built as part of the scheme, providing a mix of council and private homes for either rent or sale. They will replace existing council homes that have been deemed unfit for refurbishment. ‘The scheme will kick-start major regeneration work we are undertaking by providing a mix of decent sustainable housing,' Cllr Carter added. Since 2000, more than £86m of capital investment has been committed to improving the area by both public and private sectors, including new educational and health facilities, improved green spaces, and housing improvements.