New council houses at Kessock Court, Inverness.

A derelict piece of land at South Kessock, Inverness, has been redeveloped to feature 15 new homes and it is hoped the success of the new scheme will lead to further regeneration of the area.

The Highland Council and Albyn Housing Society have joined forces to regenerate a site at Kessock Court, which was previously a mix of sub-standard flats, bungalows and open ground.

The development features seven new council homes and eight homes built by Albyn.

To mark the completion of the works, the four Ward members for Inverness Central - Councillors Richard Laird, Donnie Kerr, Bet McAllister and Janet Campbell - welcomed Council tenants Kathryn and Alistair Green and their two children, Abigail (5) and Rachel (2), together with Albyn Housing Society tenant Lita Kovins into their new homes at Kessock Court, Inverness.

Each of the new homes is heated with mains gas heating with solar panels to provide hot water and is built to energy efficient building standards. 

The homes were built by Morgan Sindall Construction; the Chartered Surveyors were Inverness-based KLM Partnership; and the architect was Archial.  The cost to build these council houses is £963,000 with £210,000 in grant monies from the Scottish Government.  The Albyn houses cost £1,015million with £293,914 in grant monies from the Scottish Government.

Councillor Dave Fallows, Chair of The Highland Council’s Finance, Housing and Resources Committee, said: “I am delighted that we have regenerated this area with these new homes upon a site that has been regenerated to offer modern, low maintenance and energy efficient homes and sincerely hope that our tenants will enjoy many years of happiness in their new homes. These units come as welcome additions to the Council’s target to build 688 new council houses throughout the Highlands and are an excellent example of partnership working between The Highland Council and Albyn Housing Society. I look forward to welcoming more new tenants throughout the coming months and years.”

Calum Macaulay, Chief Executive at Albyn Housing Society, said: “Inverness is the most sought after location by people on the Highland Housing Register.  It is vitally important that housing providers continue to develop high quality affordable homes in the city as it continues to grow.  As a joint development with The Highland Council, Kessock Court North provides homes for rent at a time when funding cuts have dramatically slowed the construction of new affordable housing.

“This project will act as a further catalyst for regeneration in the area.  These attractive modern homes for families contribute to the changing face of this area of the city.  By providing more high quality homes we can grow the area’s popularity and help make it an attractive place to stay.  This will in turn encourage further development and investment.  We’re delighted to welcome the families to their new homes and we look forward to seeing the Kessock Court community thrive in the years to come.”

New tenants Kathryn and Alistair Green have moved to a two bed bungalow at Kessock Court from an upstairs maisonette because Mrs Green has some mobility problems.

Mrs Green said: “We are delighted with the new property, which is flawless.  It is a dream home and my two children are really happy to have a garden to play in.”