Work has begun on two new housing development in North East Edinburgh, amid a council drive to produce more affordable homes.
Due for completion as early as autumn 2021, both sites are set to provide modern and energy-efficient homes for social rent as part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s ambitious 20,000 affordable homes target.
In addition to delivering new homes, construction firm CCG (Scotland) Ltd said it provide apprenticeships, engage with local schools and colleges, and provide community investment funds in Bingham and Parkview, where the two developments are taking place.
Construction is now under way in Bingham along Duddingston Row at the former home of Lismore Primary School.
Meanwhile, work will begin on the Peffermill Road development in Parkview – the former site of the Parkview Care Home – next month.
The homes tout improved energy efficiency, a reduced carbon footprint, and high-quality green space.
Included in the design is a mix of one-, two- and three-bed flats, colonies and houses, with 70 homes across the two sites (40 in Bingham, 30 in Parkview).
“Exceptional” housing need in Edinburgh
Councillor Kate Campbell, Edinburgh’s Housing, Homelessness, and Fair Work convener, said: “Every new social home counts because housing need is exceptional in Edinburgh – there’s nothing better than seeing council houses being built and knowing that it won’t be long until they become people’s homes.
“With so many families in need of a new home, and construction so important to our economic recovery from COVID-19, the homes and jobs being delivered by our ambitious housebuilding programme will make a real difference to people’s lives.”
Campbell added: “But we have to keep delivering more. We have 3,500 new homes in design development right now, with 800 homes already under construction across the city.
“Soon, we’ll be setting out our investment plans for the next 10 years, to make sure that we continue to provide much needed homes, create jobs, and support local communities with tangible benefits like apprenticeships, community hubs, parks and improved public spaces.”
Councillor Mandy Watt, Edinburgh’s vice Housing and Economy convener, said: “Everyone has the right to a safe, warm home – that’s why our strategy for the future is about investing more in our communities, upgrading our social housing, and building thousands of new affordable homes in Edinburgh.
“And it’s not just about bricks and mortar – we’re seeing other benefits and improvements that we can bring to local areas.
“These developments in Bingham and Parkview will benefit lots of people in many different ways – they’ll help to regenerate the area and provide better public realm, better greenspace and funding for neighbourhood projects.
“They’ll benefit the long-term future of our environment, too, thanks to their low-carbon footprint and focus on energy efficiency.”
CCG has delivered a number of award-winning new homes for the council at Leith Fort and in Greendykes and is also progressing a major development of affordable housing in Craigmillar, which received its first new tenants this summer.
CCG managing director David Wylie said: “CCG’s commitment to providing quality, energy efficient homes is a philosophy shared by the City of Edinburgh Council.
“Our partnership has continued to deliver a lasting legacy across the region by not only supporting the supply of new affordable homes but also creating jobs, apprenticeships and localised investment.
“The commencement of Bingham and Parkview is another important milestone for us both and we look forward to working with the Council as we head into 2021 and beyond.”
The £9.5m investment is funded by the council, with £4.1m in grant funding coming from the Scottish government.
Main image: CGI rendering of the Bingham affordable housing development in Edinburgh
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