Work gets under way on new affordable homes
WORK on a new phase of affordable homes near Alness is about to get underway.
Some 32 homes will be built on land at Dalmore as part of a £4.6 million development for Albyn Housing Society.
The homes – a mix of one, two, three and four bedroom houses for social and mid-market rent – are expected to become available from late next year.
The project, which is being delivered for the society by Compass Building and Construction Services, is part of a wider programme of house building across the Highlands that will see Albyn Housing Society erect 750 new homes by 2021.
Calum Macaulay, chief executive at Albyn Housing Society, said: "The Dalmore site has now been established as a thriving community with excellent access to amenities such as shops, bus links, the secondary school and the doctors’ surgery.
"This latest phase will add significantly to the range of homes and housing options available in Alness – a rapidly growing town with significant demand for new homes."
Thom MacLeod, managing director at Compass, added: "We’re delighted to be starting work on this next phase at Dalmore following our recent successful completion of high quality new homes for the Society at Sellar Place in Conon Bridge.
"Affordable housing is of such vital importance to the Highland region, not just because of its role in responding to demand and helping communities remain sustainable, but because of the impact construction investment has on local jobs and skills development."
This latest phase will build on the now growing community at Dalmore, which includes 37 existing homes for rent and low-cost home ownership, as well as the 16 recently allocated FitHomes developed in partnership NHS Highland and delivered by Carbon Dynamic.
To support construction costs, the society secured £2.4million in funding from the Scottish government, and £2.2m through its private finance deal with BAE Systems Pension Funds Investment Management.
Housing minister Kevin Stewart said: "I’m really pleased to see further work begin at this award winning site. Supported by more than £2.4 million of Scottish Government funding, this phase of the development will provide a real mix of high quality, affordable new homes for rent.
"It highlights the importance of collaboration between the Scottish government and our housing delivery partners to ensure we are providing the right homes, in the right places, for both individuals and communities."
For more information about Albyn Housing Society visit www.albynhousing.org.uk
