CONSTRUCTION is underway on a project to deliver 66 specialist homes in Dundee.
Senior figures from Blackwood, including chair Julie McDowell, were scheduled to meet with John Alexander (leader of Dundee City Council), Dougie Herd (joint MD of Campion Homes) and other key stakeholders for a tour of one of seven sites in Charleston, Dundee.
The visit was to include an insight into the technology included in the home through a tutorial in the ‘box house’ – a pop up show home encompassing adaptable features such as rise and fall surfaces – as well as the chance to visit the proposed golf course.
Each home will be adaptable and include features such as lift access, remotely controlled automated functions, and digital care and housing systems – all aimed at helping people live as independently as possible.
Simon Fitzpatrick, development & commercial director at Blackwood, said, “These homes will be totally transformational for those who will move into them. For perspective, the number of homes is almost half of Dundee City Council’s total waiting list for adapted accommodation. The new development will further our ambitions to create a blueprint for independent living and influence how the sector will operate in the future.”
In what will be Blackwood’s biggest build project to date, the homes are based on the Blackwood House model, which was developed in partnership with architects Lewis and Hickey.
Earlier this year, Blackwood appointed Campion Homes to lead on the £17.5 million housing project, with work expected to last 18 months. When construction is complete, the allocation of the properties will be divided between people identified as priorities by Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership, Dundee City Council and Blackwood.
Mr Fitzpatrick added, “There is an abundance of people that would seriously benefit from more widely available adaptable and specialist housing options, so it is really exciting to see work begin on the seven sites. We’re focused on improving access to accessible and adaptable homes around Scotland making this new milestone a very proud moment for everyone at Blackwood.”
The 66 homes will be built on sites in Liff Place, Gourdie Place, Gourdie Crescent, Charleston Rod, Invercraig Road and Buttar’s Road and includes 50 two-bedroom flats, 14 four-bed homes and two five-bed houses.
