Plans to improve and provide affordable homes in a Borders town have taken a step further this week, as a signing ceremony marks the beginning of the £5m regeneration.

The Stonefield estate in Hawick is getting closer to receiving the refurbishment work, with the signing of the legal transfer of existing empty properties between Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA) and Waverley Housing.

This will enable the separate ownership of blocks and will see the regeneration work officially begin.

-- Advertisement --

The £5m investment enables the the beginning of plans to refurbish and update existing flats.

This will see long-term empty homes brought back into use, as well as the building of 44 new family-sized affordable homes in addition.

The partnership project between SBHA, Waverley Housing and Scottish Borders Council is seen as a sign of the commitment to strategic priorities to increase the supply of affordable homes, improve neighbourhoods and provide good quality homes in the Scottish Borders.

Councillor David Parker, Leader of Scottish Borders Council said: "I am delighted to see our labours behind the scenes about to bear fruit, with more building activity about to start, which will help transform the Stonefield area by providing more affordable housing, and bringing long term empty houses back into use to meet identified local needs."

(IT)