Forty-four affordable homes, including a 24-flat extra care facility, have been completed in Lochgelly on a previously disused site.
The development, delivered by main contractor Robertson Partnership Homes for Fife Council’s Affordable Housing Programme, comprises 20 amenity homes and the extra care facility, which will be operated by the council.
The site was previously occupied by a care home and other buildings, which were demolished seven years ago.
Designed for people aged 55 and over with a range of extra care needs, the scheme includes enhanced streets, landscaping, tree planting and secure parking.
The 24-flat extra care facility comprises 10 one-bedroom amenity flats, 10 two-bedroom wheelchair-accessible flats and four two-bedroom amenity flats. The remaining 20 homes are made up of six two-bedroom amenity bungalows, four two-bedroom wheelchair-accessible bungalows, two three-bedroom amenity bungalows and eight one-bedroom amenity bungalows.
All homes meet the Scottish government’s Housing for Varying Needs standards. The bungalows feature wet-floor showers, while wheelchair-accessible properties include kitchens with adjustable worktops.
The development targets Silver Standard aspects 1 and 2 under the Scottish government’s building standards, through high-performance insulation, energy-efficient windows and A-rated boilers. Solar photovoltaic panels are expected to help the homes achieve an EPC rating of B.
Robertson said the project generated 361 apprenticeship weeks, alongside spend prioritised through SMEs and the local supply chain. Six CSCS cards were funded for Fife College students, along with 11 weeks of work experience, while taster days and the Robertson Ideal Candidate Programme were run at Lochgelly High School.
Lochgelly is the seventh and final project in the latest phase of Fife Council’s Affordable Housing Programme delivered by Robertson, bringing the total number of homes completed in that phase to 320.
Councillor Judy Hamilton, Fife Council’s spokesperson for housing and building services, said: “It’s fantastic to see these new properties completed and ready to welcome residents.
“This development is about much more than bricks and mortar. We’re creating a place where people can live independently, safely and comfortably, while having access to the support they need as they get older.
“We’ve taken a site that stood empty for several years and transformed it into high-quality, affordable housing that will make a real difference to people’s lives.
“In particular, the extra care facility will help more people remain part of their local community while receiving the care and support they need.
“I’m sure tenants will be delighted with their new houses and the attractive environment that’s been created around them.”
Susan Wilson, commercial director at Robertson Construction Eastern, which carried out the operational delivery, said: “As an affordable housing delivery partner for Fife Council, the completion of these 44 properties at Lochgelly means we have delivered 320 homes in the latest phase of its Affordable Housing Programme.
“These developments are providing quality, affordable and energy-efficient homes for the residents of Fife Council and helping them to meet their commitment to transform vacant sites, generate real benefits, and create thriving communities.”
Main image (Left to right) John Mills, head of housing, Fife Council; Councillor Judy Hamilton, Fife Council’s spokesperson for housing and building services; John Baggley, managing director, Robertson Partnership Homes; and Graeme Lawtie, operations director, Robertson Construction Eastern
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