Property management, development and regeneration specialist Places for People has chosen Lovell to design and build a £3.85 million housing scheme in Craigs Road, Edinburgh.

The development, set to be completed in January 2013 will create two, four-storey timber framed, apartment blocks.

The 42 apartments will comprise 18 homes for Mid Market Rent and 24 homes for affordable rent. Mid Market Rent properties enable those in employment who could not otherwise afford main market rents to access good-quality new affordable homes.

"These new homes will neighbour the more established East Craigs community, which already has over 320 homes provided by Castle Rock Edinvar, giving access to excellent local facilities. We are working closely with Lovell to provide employment opportunities and training for local people during the construction period," said Heather Macnaughton, head of Neighbourhood Regeneration at Castle Rock Edinvar housing association, part of the Places for People Group.


The two apartment blocks feature gull-winged roofs, complementing nearby properties, and patio roof terraces. The properties are conveniently located for the Gyle and Edinburgh Park, providing shopping and employment opportunities and have excellent access to bus and tram routes to the city centre, as well as the airport and wider motorway network.

The City of Edinburgh Council Housing Leader, Councillor Paul Edie, said: "These new homes are further proof of this Council's commitment to tackling the affordable housing shortage in Edinburgh. This year alone we have approved 1,500 new homes for site start and supported 2,000 jobs in the construction and related industries and services. This development is an excellent example of the mixed, sustainable communities that are being built all across the city, creating jobs and delivering much-needed affordable housing during these difficult economic times.

"Lovell has a strong track record in delivering high-quality, attractive affordable housing,” says Lovell regional director Alan Taylor. "Our team is delighted to be working with Places for People to design and build these new apartments which will make it easier for local people to get on to the housing ladder as well as helping answer the demand for affordable rented homes."

(GK)