Housebuilder Keepmoat Homes has been working in partnership with Hanover Scotland to deliver 10 affordable homes as part of the new 42 house Lyons Gate development, for which Keepmoat Homes is the main contractor.
The housebuilder has been working closely with Hanover Scotland, South Ayrshire Council's preferred register social landlord (RSL) for the Heathfield Road development over the past 18 months, and has now completing the affordable housing scheme.
The development - which received £763,000 investment from Scottish Government through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme – comprises of eight cottage flats and two semi-detached houses for rent, and responds to local demand for quality and affordable housing in the town. Keepmoat Homes has already had a number of local people register their interest and taken considerable off-plan sales.
The development, which has now opened a sales office, is conveniently located across from Heathfield Primary School, and looks onto a play area, which has reportedly been a hit with families.
Sandy McBride, Regional Managing Director for Keepmoat Homes, describes how the extensive regeneration of the area has been a key part in attracting interest.
He said: "Before we even began the construction of new homes at Lyons Gate, we invested heavily in ground improvement works and consulting with the local community to ensure we delivered the right product.
Over recent years the demand for new housing in the area has continued to increase and we are pleased to be working in partnership with Hanover Housing Association and South Ayrshire Council to be able to meet this demand.
"It was important that we not only brought new homes for sale to the market, but we incorporated social housing within the scheme, as this underpins our commitment to transforming communities and supporting customers at all ends of the market.
"With our sales office now open – we encourage people to drop in and take a look at the new homes we have on offer and get an exclusive glimpse of the lifestyle available at Lyons Gate."
Mark Farey, Director of Asset Management at Hanover Scotland, commented: "We are delighted to be working with South Ayrshire Council and Keepmoat Homes to bring modern, affordable homes to the area.
This is a perfect example of how Hanover Scotland is working closely with local authorities to ensure Scotland delivers on its ambitious affordable housing target, providing high quality affordable homes suited to the needs of the local community."
Councillor Philip Saxton, Housing and Customer Services Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "These homes are a fine example of what can be achieved through partnership working. South Ayrshire Council will continue to work closely with Hanover Scotland and other Registered Social Landlords to provide affordable housing that meets the needs of our communities."
Housing Minister, Kevin Stewart said: "I am delighted to see the completion of the Lyons Gate development, which will bring great benefits to the area. It will not only provide high quality, affordable accommodation, but breathe new life into the community.
"Supported through our Affordable Housing Supply Programme, it is a great example of how the Scottish Government is helping provide the right homes, in the right places, and to a standard anyone would be proud to call home – a core part of our drive to make Scotland a fairer and more prosperous country.
"We are committed to delivering at least 50,000 affordable homes over this Parliament - backed by £3 billion of investment. As this project shows, working together with housing associations and others, I am confident that target can be achieved."