HADDEN Group has secured a multi-million-pound contract to transform a Gypsy Traveller site near Perth.
Perth and Kinross Council said the Double Dykes site will be ‘totally transformed’, with all of the 20 on-site chalets replaced by new energy-efficient accommodation, as well as improvements to existing roadways, drainage, and paths. A nearby playing field will also be developed to act as a communal gathering place.
The local authority successfully bid for £3,906,000 from the Scottish Government’s Gypsy/Traveller accommodation fund to pay for the works, with the award representing 60% of the total cost, with the council contributing the rest.
Housing and social wellbeing convener at Perth and Kinross Council, councillor Tom McEwan, said, “The appointment of Hadden is a milestone for this important project. The existing chalets at the site have been in place for some time and the replacement accommodation will be modern and energy efficient, helping residents to save on their bills.
“We have worked very closely with residents so far, and this will continue. The council and Hadden will consult individually with residents about their needs, to draw up plans for the chalets. The replacement programme will be carried out in four phases to minimise disruption to residents, and we plan to be on-site later this year.
“The people who live at Double Dykes are tenants of the council and we have a duty to provide the best services we can for them. I am delighted that this project to completely modernise this traditional Gypsy/Traveller site in partnership with our tenants is moving forward.”
Scott Hadden, chairman at Hadden Group, added, “We’re delighted to have been entrusted by our local authority to deliver this significant redevelopment project which will enhance and improve the homes at Double Dykes for the residents. Our experienced team look forward to working again with Perth and Kinross Council on this important local project.”
