Aberdeen City Council's new build programme reached an important milestone with the topping out ceremony at Rorie Hall, Cults, on Friday.

The council's commitment to a new build council housing programme will provide inspirational 21st century housing which is high quality, sustainable, energy efficient and incorporates a degree of flexibility to meet the future needs of tenants.

These developments which will see 85 new homes built at Rorie Hall in Cults, Hayton Road in Tillydrone and Byron Park, Northfield along with others in the city are intended to re-generate areas and provide much needed accommodation within the city which will strengthen community spirit and enhance neighbourhood identities.

Stewart Milne Construction was awarded the contract to build the homes at Rorie Hall in Cults, Hayton Road in Tillydrone and Byron Park in Northfield in the first phase of the council's new-build programme.

Social housing is core to Stewart Milne Construction's expertise, with over 30 years industry experience and several current projects for both local authorities and housing associations across Scotland. The company's wide ranging portfolio also includes high profile projects in education, student accommodation and commercial developments.

The Rorie Hall development consists of 25 one bedroom flats and 2 two bedroom flats with gardens for the ground floor residents and balconies on the first and second floors. The development will include communal and private outdoor space for the residents.

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These have been developed in an individual manner which reflects the concept of many other properties in the area in that it will form an individual piece of architecture centrally located on the site focusing on south views across Deeside.

The properties will cater for tenants to an amenity standard whereby independent living is promoted but additional assistance is available when necessary.

The design is intended to be high quality and aspirational and should nest well within its existing surroundings.

Meantime other new build developments in the city will see 30 units built in Tillydrone and 28 units at Byron Park.

The work started back in March 2010 and has progressed well on all 3 developments in phase 1 and is on course for completion Spring 2011.

Aberdeen City Council's Housing and Environment Convener Aileen Malone said: "In the current economic climate more and more people are in need of council housing and this has been reflected in an ever growing waiting list.

"The development of affordable housing to support independent living throughout life is essential as the city requires to increase its' workforce in order to respond to the economic opportunities planned for the future as Aberdeen continues to grow."

Bill Imlach, Managing Director of Stewart Milne Construction commented: "These new homes are a real boost to the city of Aberdeen and we are delighted to be working on such a landmark project.

"We will be incorporating some of the latest sustainable technologies and specifications to ensure energy efficiency and low running costs for the tenants. The current onsite activity is going well and we will continue to work closely with the council to ensure the successful delivery of the first phase of its new build programme."

Aberdeen City Council's Director of Housing and Environment Pete Leonard added: "This is a landmark moment for the Department as it builds its first mainstream family homes for over 30 years, and is a very positive measure of the commitment the council has towards ensuring it continues to deliver services to meet the needs of its citizens despite difficult economic times."

The council is continuing with its New Build Programme – phase 2 due to commerce at Marchburn next week and phase 3 is due to commence at the end of March 2011 at Oldcroft Place. This will make a significant contribution to meeting the needs and demands of our citizens and help stop the flow of households from the city to Aberdeenshire.

Aberdeen City Council's new-build programme is being funded by the housing revenue account and £2.1million of the Scottish Government's Incentivising new Council House Building monies.

(GK)