Work is about to start on transforming the site of the former Salvation Army Hall at North High Street, Musselburgh, into new Council homes.

A contract has been awarded to EF Hendrie Property Construction to build seven one-bedroom and two two-bedroom flats on the site at 225 North High Street.

Councillor Stuart Currie, Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety this week met Major John Houston from the Savlation Army’s Prestonpans Corps, keen to see how the site will be used to accommodate Council tenants in modern, energy efficient properties. Builder Eric Hendrie and architect Alastair Hackland were also present to mark the official handing over of the contract.

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Councillor Currie said: “I am delighted that the contract has been awarded for this site and we can look forward to delivering more new Council homes for our tenants.”

The Salvation Army's Divisional Commander in East Scotland, Lt Col Alan Burns, said: "The Salvation Army have many fond memories of our mission and service to the people of Musselburgh. It is great to hear that the former site of our hall will again be put to good use to serve the local community, this time by means of social housing. We wish East Lothian Council well with their plans."

This small gap site was previously occupied by the Salvation Army hall. This has now been demolished and the single storey cottage at the rear of the site will also be cleared. Estimated total costs are £1.179m. Work is expected to start in late February and is expected to be complete by the end of 2011.

(GK)