THE JR Group, partnering with Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA), has started work on a project across two locations in Hawick.
The development of 16 new build homes sits across two sites – the first at Fairhurst Drive, and the second at Leisham Drive – in the Burnfoot area of Hawick. The developments will include a mix of homes tailored for both families and older residents alike.
The Fairhurst Drive site will feature 12 homes, including one and two-bedroom cottage flats with accessibility features, as well as two and three-bedroom homes. The neighbouring development at Leisham Drive includes four additional three and four-bedroom homes.
The projects will be built by The JR Group and will include photo voltaic panels to generate electricity and will be heated by air source heat pumps.
Working alongside The JR Group and SBHA, other partners on board to help deliver the project including architects Aitken Turnbull, engineer Bayne Stevenson, M&E consultant RSP and employers agent Langmuir and Hay.
To ensure the expertise of local suppliers was at the forefront of the scheme, The JR Group held a Meet the Buyer event in November to meet local sub-contractors and suppliers, in a bid for them to become part of its approved supply chain. As a result, more than 45 businesses came forward and have built a foundation of local suppliers to support the project as it progresses.
Andrew Dallas, projects director for The JR Group, said, “This is The JR Group’s first project in the Scottish Borders with the Scottish Borders Housing Association, and we’re delighted to be a part of such a fantastic opportunity to develop the already popular community of Hawick. A core part of our business is investing in, and supporting local communities, which also includes providing opportunities for local businesses and suppliers.
“It was great to meet so many high-quality Borders-based suppliers during our event at the end of last year, they will certainly become an integral part of driving this development forward. We look forward to working with the SBHA team on this duo of developments and hope to further establish a solid working relationship for future projects across the Scottish Borders.”
Julia Mulloy, chief executive of Scottish Borders Housing Association, added, “We are thrilled to be bringing land back into use across two locations in Burnfoot to deliver these much-needed homes. We appreciate the support of Scottish Borders Council and the Scottish Government to deliver these homes, during what is a very challenging time for the sector, particularly building new homes in rural locations.
“Construction on site will progress in the coming months, and we look forward to working with The JR Group on this project. The partnership between our organisations and joint commitment to working with the local supply chain will ensure that these new homes benefit both the local community and the region’s economic growth.”
Councillor Robin Tatler, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for communities and equalities, commented, “I am delighted that the council has been able to support these affordable housing developments with £785,000 from our affordable housing investment budget, which is funded by second homes council tax. The variety of homes being built will help address local housing need and I am also particularly pleased that local businesses will also benefit during the construction phase.”
