Construction has started on 45 social rented homes and two retail units on the former FabTek site in Lochgelly, Fife.
The development off Hall Street will also include 55 car parking spaces. The site was previously home to the FabTek industrial unit and a pub, and has been vacant for a long time.
The scheme is being delivered through the Fife Housing Association Alliance and is part funded by the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund, which supports the redevelopment of long-standing vacant and derelict sites.
Kingdom Housing Association is managing the development on behalf of Ore Valley Housing Association, which will take ownership of the homes on completion. Fife-based Campion Homes is the construction partner.
ECD Architects designed the scheme, with engineering services provided by BSA. It uses a “fabric-first” approach intended to keep fuel bills low and reduce carbon emissions.
More than 80% of the homes are compact flats designed to minimise heat loss, and nearly three-quarters face south to capture solar warmth. Low-carbon features include high heat retention storage heaters, airtight building envelopes and solar PV panels.
The housing mix comprises one- and two-bedroom flats and cottage flats, two- and three-bedroom houses, and a two-bedroom bungalow. The layout will repair the streetscape along High Street and Hall Street with the new retail units, and create a new public open space near the historic Town House.
Nick Clark, chief executive of Ore Valley Housing Association, said: “This significant step marks a key turning point in the regeneration of a site that has sat vacant for far too long. We are grateful to our partners, including Kingdom Housing Association, Campion Homes, ECD Architects, BSA Engineers and the Scottish Government, who have worked tirelessly to overcome the complex ground conditions, historical mine shafts and steep topography this land presented.
“Given the ongoing local and national housing emergencies, these 45 energy-efficient homes and modern retail spaces will make a real difference, helping to boost the supply of high-quality affordable housing while injecting new life into Lochgelly town centre.”
Dougie Herd, joint managing director at Campion Homes, said: “Starting work on this site is a major milestone for Lochgelly. Regenerating brownfield sites presents unique engineering challenges, but turning a derelict space into high-quality, energy-efficient homes is immensely rewarding.
“Having been involved from the outset alongside Kingdom Housing Association, Ore Valley Housing Association and the design team, we’ve focused heavily on ensuring early cost viability and site enabling. We look forward to delivering sustainable, low-carbon homes that local residents can be proud of while supporting the local economy throughout the build process.”
Tricia Hill, asset management and development director at Kingdom Housing Association, said: “We’re pleased to see this long-awaited project taking shape, bringing 45 much-needed affordable homes to the heart of the local community. Our strong partnership with Campion Homes and Ore Valley Housing Association has allowed us to overcome any challenges and move forward with the development of this key site.”
Main image: (Left to right) Grant McManus, Kingdom Housing Association; William Bald, Campion Homes; Nick Clark, Ore Valley Housing Association; Stuart Jamieson, Campion Homes; and Grant McBeath, Hardies
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