A partnership between Campion Homes and Kingdom Housing Association has seen the £7.4 million transformation of a vacant Dunfermline site into 32 affordable homes.
Originally built as a hospital in 1895 and later partially converted for use as Fife Council, New City House is seen as an important local landmark and significant part of Dunfermline’s architectural and social history.
The complex project involved working closely with Oliver and Robb Architects, BSA Engineers, and Fife Council planning department to ensure the new homes were carefully designed to retain the character and integrity of the original building while delivering high-quality contemporary spaces.
Creative retrofit solutions were required which included structural alterations to the existing roof trusses to bring them up to modern construction standards, and the installation of a sustainable district air source heat pump. The low-carbon solution now provides efficient, reliable heating across the building – ‘significantly’ improving long-term energy performance and reducing operational emissions.
With no access for cranes, every material and component had to be carried by hand through the building. This demanding approach required ‘exceptional planning and coordination’.
Now completed, New City House provides a mixture of two and three bedroom mid-market rent flats with a B energy rating.
Dunfermline MSP, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said, “I was able to visit New City House during the construction process and I was hugely impressed that an empty office building will now be somewhere that dozens of people can call home. A few years ago, I called for this building to be turned into affordable housing, so I am delighted to see this come to fruition.
“This transformation was made possible by £3.1 million of Scottish Government funding, as part of our wider commitment to tackle the housing emergency in Scotland.”
Dougie Herd, joint MD at Campion Homes, added, “New City House has not been without its challenges with some parts of the building dating from the 1800s. But with a clear vision, innovative engineering, and high-quality tradesmanship, we have been able to create 32 spacious homes at affordable rents and bring what would be an empty building back into use.
“As a family run business headquartered in the city, we are committed to seeing regenerations projects like this be successful. We have a longstanding relationship with Kingdom Housing Association, and I want to thank them and Fife Council for helping to create an excellent new community right in the heart of the city.”
Sean Whittet, development manager at Kingdom Housing Association, added, “The regeneration of New City House has shown what can be done to breathe new life into empty buildings. The high-quality, energy-efficient living offered in the 32 affordable homes here shows how innovative development can boost and benefit communities. It has been a great example of what is achievable with a collaborative approach between trusted partners. We’re proud to work with Campion once more to provide more than a home to our customers.”
