THE JR Group has joined Homes for Scotland, adding its voice as the sector body highlights key issues faced by construction businesses and housebuilders seeking to increase the supply of much-needed housing across all tenures.
The JR Group is a key delivery partner for councils and housing associations across Scotland and builds hundreds of social homes each year.
With its members delivering the vast majority of the country’s new homes, Homes for Scotland works closely with government to identify and tackle barriers to the delivery of new properties. The JR Group said it will be able to share its experiences to help drive positive changes.
The partnership was marked by a visit to The JR Group’s Helensburgh development, showcasing some of the work the firm is doing to address the housing crisis.
Andrew Dallas, projects director for The JR Group, said, “The JR Group is a key development partner in the delivery of affordable housing for both housing associations and local authorities. By joining forces with Homes for Scotland, our goal is to help bring the housing emergency to the forefront of the minds of both the general public and our elected members.
“The Scottish Government’s declaration of a housing emergency shows intent and a commitment to fix the housing crisis in Scotland, but it has so far not been backed up with any increased funding or amended policy position. Therefore, it is important that we give our support to Homes for Scotland and help it continue to put pressure on the government alongside other key bodies and charities.
“As part of the partnership with Homes for Scotland, it will enable us to share our concerns and front-line expertise and support its discussions with key figures in government.”
A national housing emergency was declared recently in Scotland and independent research has shown there are 693,000 Scottish households facing at least one form of housing need.
The JR Group is currently on site at ten different locations across Scotland, building more than 300 new homes with projects for a further 450 homes due to commence in the next 12-18 months.
The team met representatives from Homes for Scotland at its development in the Jeanie Deans area of Helensburgh which is being delivered for Dunbritton Housing Association.
The development of 12 modern energy efficient flats in the town’s East King Street is set to be handed over to the housing association shortly and will be available for social rent.
Construction was able to proceed thanks to funding from the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) and Argyll and Bute Council’s Strategic Housing Fund, as well as private funding from Dunbritton Housing Association.
Jennifer Kennedy, Homes for Scotland director of public affairs, added, “We are delighted to have The JR Group supporting us and further strengthening our voice in our discussions with government and other stakeholders as we advocate on behalf of members to ensure they can supply the range and choice of homes that the people of Scotland deserve.
“The JR Group is playing a key role in this, as we saw for ourselves recently when we visited the impressive Jeanie Deans development in Helensburgh which is a prime example of social and private sectors working together. With residents set to move in shortly and having already been for a visit, it was great to hear how excited they were about their new homes, underscoring how important the building of new housing is and the difference it makes to those who live in them.”
