The Highland Housing Alliance (HHA) has revealed plans to build 16 new 'affordable' homes are to be built in Inverness.

The development will be built on a brownfield area at the city's Raining's Stairs and work on the first phase began on 05 June. Completion is scheduled by summer 2018.

The scheme is being delivered in partnership with the HAA, the Highland Council, Ark Estates and William Gray Construction, with funding from the Scottish Government as part of the City-Region Deal.

The City-Region Deal business case releases £5 million in funding from the Scottish Government for 'affordable' housing across the Highlands.

The Raining's Stairs development will comprise of 16 one and two bedroom flats. Six flats will be available at an 'affordable' rent from the council, while 10 flats will be made available at a mid-market rent from the HAA as part of the project. Other features will include a commercial unit, suitable for use as an office or retail space.

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The configuration of the homes will feature 16 apartments built in three staged sections which flow to create a single contemporary development. It will also feature an attractive residents walkway with landscaping and planting, with a natural stone wall and vertical timber cladding around the buildings. Secure cycle storage features for each building and located behind the commercial unit.

HHA Chief Executive Gail Matheson said: "The role of the Highland Housing Alliance is to facilitate and deliver additional good quality housing in the Highlands with a wide range of private and public sector partners, which has been achieved in this iconic development.

"Following the success of the Academy Street development, we are proud to announce we have signed a contract with our partners Wm Gray Construction Ltd which will see 16 homes being delivered for both HHA and The Highland Council. The Raining's Stairs development will regenerate the area, building 16 new flats for rent to local people and families. The inclusion of a ground floor commercial unit will offer a local business opportunity further enhancing the area."

William Gray, Managing Director of William Gray Construction and Ark Estates, said: "We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Highland Council and the Highland Housing Alliance after successfully delivering the Academy Street development.

"This is a part of the city which is crying out for regeneration and we are proud to be helping bring that about at the same time as providing much needed high quality affordable rental housing."

Image credit: Threesixty Architecture.

(LM/MH)