The first affordable housing development at Western Harbour, Newhaven, has been officially opened marking a major milestone in the regeneration of Edinburgh’s waterfront.

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) yesterday welcomed 102 households to a block of new, high-quality and energy efficient properties at Goosander Place at a ceremony with Scottish Housing Minister Alex Neil MSP as guest speaker.

Mr Neil said: “The Scottish Government wants to enrich communities by supporting initiatives that will make a lasting difference and benefit those who live and work there.

“This Government has invested significant funding to help build these homes and everyone involved in this housing development is to be congratulated for delivering high quality, energy efficient affordable homes for the people of Edinburgh. It will also help the ongoing regeneration of North Edinburgh."

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Helen Phillips, a longstanding and active resident of Leith who has recently moved to the new development, was presented with a bouquet welcoming her at the ceremony held at the David Lloyd Centre.

She said: "The flats are lovely, very spacious. The environmentally-friendly features will also be a real help with utilities bills. There is already a real sense of community and I am confident that will continue to grow."

This is the first of four proposed affordable housing sites at Western Harbour. Work on a second site is currently underway by PoLHA. Goosander Place has been shortlisted for the large affordable housing development of the year title at the Scottish Home Awards. The winner will be decided on Thursday.

The development includes environmentally sustainable and energy efficient features such as a ground source heating system and under-floor heating for the ground-floor homes. Eight units are specially designed to accommodate disabled residents and there are a number of three and four bedroom homes designed for families.

PoLHA has worked closely with the City of Edinburgh Council which allocated £11.3m of grant monies for the development.

(GK)