CONSTRUCTION has started on the first new social rent affordable homes to be built within Blackford in over 60 years.
Cala Homes (East) is building 12 apartments that it will hand over to Wheatley Group on completion. Forming part of Cala’s new development at the former St Crispin’s School in Blackford, the collection of affordable homes includes two three-bedrooms, four two-bedrooms, and six one-bedroom apartments.
Due to be ready for occupation from autumn 2025, the homes will be available for social rent and will assist in boosting supply in Blackford.
Stephen Faller, land manager with Cala Homes (East), said, “This is the sixth time that we have partnered with Wheatley Group, bringing a total of 149 affordable homes through planning and into reality, with more in the pipeline. This demonstrates the benefits of new build housing, with this site alone contributing over £300,000 to Education and Transport infrastructure via Section 75 contributions as well as our own Community Pledge which we will be rolling out locally.
“We look forward to investing in more sustainable developments in the city to support the delivery of much needed homes across all tenures. We are pleased to be delivering a range of one, two and three bed social rent apartments which will provide a brand new and energy efficient home for a wide range of residents, including families.
“With the recent housing emergency declared by City of Edinburgh Council, we look forward to getting to the stage where we can hand over the keys to the families and individuals who can start a fresh chapter in their new home.”
Ian Murray, MP for Edinburgh South – who recently visited the site – said, “City of Edinburgh Council were right to declare a housing emergency in November. 5,000 households in Edinburgh face homelessness each night with our housing market being put under immense pressure from the cost-of-living crisis and the fallout of the pandemic.
“It’s very welcome that this site will contain affordable units to help with this housing emergency and I hope the success of the St Crispin’s site will encourage developers to work with the Council and Social Landlord partners to deliver the affordable housing urgently needed to help young people and families across our city.”
The homes will be managed by Wheatley Homes East, part of Wheatley Group. Lindsay Lauder, Wheatley Group director of development and regeneration, added, “We’re delighted to start work on this exciting new development on the old school site. This is the first time in 60 years new homes for social rent will be built in the Blackford area of Edinburgh, and these will make a significant difference to the local community.
“Thank you to the Scottish Government, City of Edinburgh Council and Cala Homes for their support in bringing these homes to life.”
The development is being funded by £1.3 million Scottish Government funding, managed by The City of Edinburgh Council, and £885,000 from Wheatley Group.
Housing minister Paul McLennan said, “The right to a warm, safe and affordable home is critical to wellbeing and is a right everyone deserves. Wheatley Homes East plays a valuable role in increasing the range of housing available to rent throughout Scotland.”
Cala’s wider St Crispin’s Court development will provide a variety of three and four-bedroom townhouses as well as a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.
