Turfs cut for new homes in Drumnadrochit
Work has commenced on the construction of five new affordable homes at Drumnadrochit which will be earmarked to help retain local young people in the community.
Celebrating the start of works by Compass Building and Construction Services, Local Councillor and Leader of The Highland Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson was joined by project partners from the Scottish Government, Highland Housing Alliance and Albyn Housing Association at a turf cutting ceremony held today (Friday 17 November) on the construction site.
Cllr Davidson said: “Today marks an exciting future for some extremely lucky local young people who could be allocated a fantastic new home in their own community.
“As part of the City-Region Deal, the Council has agreed with Scottish Government to offer young people attractive, affordable housing in their community. This will enable them to stay in the region, retaining a young, vibrant workforce for the Highlands. The houses are initially for rent at affordable levels but with an opportunity to purchase.”
The 5 homes in Drumnadrochit form the first phase of an overall wider housing development which includes 23 homes for social rent (including community care housing) and 4 for low cost home ownership.
Gail Matheson, Chief Executive of the Highland Housing Alliance said:
“We are pleased to announce that the Highland Housing Alliance will develop these first new homes at Drumnadrochit for families and people living in the area. The homes will complete by November 2018 and will be available at a mid-market rent comprising two, three-bedroom semi-detached villas, two, two-bedroom terraced villas and one, two-bedroom bungalow.”
Compass Construction Director Thom Macleod noted: “We are pleased to be involved with the provision of the new infrastructure works and construction of the much needed affordable housing portion of the Benleva development. This appointment strengthens our excellent working relationship with Albyn housing Society, The Highland Housing Alliance and indeed The Highland Council further enhancing our record of affordable housing delivery throughout the Highlands.
“We are particularly pleased to have one of our local technicians formerly of Glenurquhart High School engaged in the construction process and see further opportunities for the development of key skills through our very successful construction apprentice scheme.”
The project has been assisted through loan funding made available to the developer utilising the Infrastructure Loan Fund set up with funding provided by the Scottish Government and the Highland Council.
The project forms part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region deal which is a joint initiative supported by up to £315M investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, HIE and University of the Highland and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
Further information on allocation of the 5 new homes is available from the Highland Housing Alliance on 01463 251132 or www.highlandhousingalliance.com.