The £35m per annum partnership will operated between Morrison and  Aire Valley Homes and West North West Homes Leeds, which manage the housing stock on behalf of Leeds City Council.

Work will start in April and run for five years, with five possible one year extensions.

Morrison beat off bids from a shortlist of nine contractors and sealed the deal with a bid that is expected to save the city £4m a year.

The council said it was impressed by Morrison’s commitment to social responsibility, including community engagement, sustainable procurement and training and employment.

Central to this commitment is the new training academy, which will offer employment and training opportunities to local people. One of the big focuses of the academy will be the development of young local people, including training 18 apprentices and 20 second chance apprentices every year.

Councillor Peter Gruen, executive board member with responsibility for neighbourhoods and housing said: “It is important that we were able to partner with a company that is interested in local employment and training and offers value for money with good customer service.

“Morrison went above and beyond to supply with us ideas other than just a repairs service.”

Guy Wakeley, chief executive of Morrison, said: “We have aspired to work in Leeds for some time, and are delighted to have been selected as their provider of choice for both the Aire Valley Homes and West North West Homes and look forward to commencing operations in April.

“We are completely committed to growing the Morison business in Yorkshire and securing this new partnership with Leeds will create many new job opportunities for local people and businesses”