‘Transformational’ Edinburgh development creates construction jobs and training opportunities

Image credit: Stewart Attwood Photography 2022

A Wheatley development comprising 300 new homes is beginning to take shape on a site in the west of Edinburgh.

Wheatley chief executive Steven Henderson was recently joined by councillor Jane Meagher (City of Edinburgh Council housing convenor) and others to see how work was progressing at West Craigs.

The development – made up of 168 homes for social rent and 132 for mid-market rent – will be the biggest ever built by Wheatley Group. The homes are just one element of the transformation of West Craigs, which will see up to 1,200 new homes for private sale, two new public parks, a new primary school, and shops.

Wheatley’s £52 million project at West Craigs includes £27.8 million funding from The City of Edinburgh Council. The first phase of homes should be ready by the end of 2024.

Alastair Murray Wheatley Homes east chair, said, “We were delighted to welcome councillor Meagher to West Craigs. This is Wheatley’s biggest ever development and we’re grateful for the support of City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Government in helping us increase the supply of much-needed affordable housing across Edinburgh.

“The homes include low-carbon features such as solar panels, high levels of insulation and energy-efficient boilers, as well as electric car charging points, which will help tenants with their bills and help us cut our carbon footprint. I’m sure our tenants will enjoy living here.”

The homes will be a mix of two to four-bedroom houses, and one, two and three-bedroom flats, with 19 homes suitable for wheelchair users.

The development will include 33 Livingwell homes, the group’s service – provided by Wheatley Care – to support older tenants to live independently, as well as 19 flats provided by Wheatley Care to support people with complex needs.

Councillor Jane Meagher added, “I’m looking forward to seeing hundreds of people move into their beautiful new homes, which are all being built with carbon reduction in mind. It will be a great example of a development which is focused on delivering the types of homes our city, our climate and our residents need, and which people will love living in.”

Developer Cruden Building Scotland will be providing jobs and training opportunities for local people as part of the new-build contract.

Richard Crowther, commercial director of Cruden Building Scotland, said, “We are delighted to work on this transformational new housing development, and Wheatley’s biggest housing development to date. All of these homes are set within an exemplary placemaking and well-planned environmental space.

“Importantly, we take pride in building communities and we will bring a range of community benefits to this area such as new jobs, apprenticeships, new training opportunities and supporting a number of local community initiatives.”