LOVELL Partnerships has marked the start of construction at a new housing development in Midlothian.
A sod cutting ceremony has taken place at the Oakwood Edge site, near Dalkeith. The development will comprise a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes, with 39 of the properties to be provided for social use by Melville Housing Association on the land owned by Lovell.
Donna Bogdanovic, chair of Melville Housing Association, officially broke the ground at the event, which was attended by staff from Lovell, Melville Housing Association, and Hardies Property and Construction Consultants.
A play park and art installation will form part of the site, in line with Lovell’s commitment to providing community benefits and social value where it builds.
This development will be one of the first to benefit from Lovell energy efficient homes, helping to reduce the heating and lighting bills for residents.
Sarah Freel, head of partnerships at Lovell, said, “Oakwood Edge is an incredibly exciting development for Lovell and our partners, so it was wonderful to see the ceremonial first shovel going into the ground on it. As a partnership housebuilder, we’re delighted to be working with Melville Housing Association to deliver this development.
“Oakwood Edge is an example of how partnership working can benefit communities and the local economy, whilst creating numerous jobs and training opportunities. I’d like to express our gratitude to everyone involved in this sod cutting ceremony and thank them for their continued dedication to making Oakwood Edge a great place for families to live.”
Donna Bogdanovic, chair of Melville Housing Association, added, “It was my pleasure to take part in the sod cutting for Oakwood Edge which marks the continuation of a productive relationship between Melville and Lovell that began more than 15 years ago. This exciting opportunity, made possible thanks to Scottish Government funding and support from Midlothian Council, will allow us to help some of those on Midlothian’s huge social housing waiting list who are desperately waiting for a quality affordable home.”
