KINGDOM Housing Association has announced completion of the first phase of a £30 million regeneration project.
53 new social rented homes have been constructed at Fraser Avenue in Inverkeithing. Tenants from the original 1950s and 60s-built flats in the street have been given the opportunity to move into the new properties, with the design and specification based on community consultation.MNew
Local councillors recently joined Kingdom staff and board members to visit the project, view the completed homes and tour the area which will be part of the future phases.
Bill Banks, Kingdom group chief executive said, “It has taken many years of partnership working to reach this stage. Due to high turnover and low demand, the Fraser Avenue area was designated an ‘Estate Action Area’ by Fife Council in 2004. The council explored redevelopment proposals for a number of years and in 2011, after extensive community consultation, the decision was taken to demolish the flats and for replacement new build affordable housing to be provided by a Registered Social Landlord. Kingdom Housing Association was appointed as the council’s partner following a competitive tender process.
“The project at Fraser Avenue is an excellent example of what can be achieved through a genuine partnership approach, I would like to thank everyone who has worked together to deliver the project, particularly Fife Council and the local community.”
The cost of phase one was around £8 million, of which the Scottish Government provided around £4.3 million. The balance was made up by private finance raised by Kingdom Housing Association.
The specification for the new homes includes solar photovoltaic panels and real time electric energy display meters to help tenants reduce fuel bills. A breathable wall system has been used to help improve indoor air quality.
The project has been designed by Edinburgh-based 7N Architects, while Campion Homes from Dunfermline is the contractor for the regeneration project.
Five phases of new build housing are planned. Once complete, 189 new homes will have been delivered comprising a mix of single-storey special needs provision, two and three-storey family housing and cottage flats.
The regeneration plans also include provision for three new shop units.
