Construction work has started on a new £8.5 million housing development in Edinburgh.

A total of 70 new 'affordable' homes are being built by Persimmon Homes at Craigmillar on behalf of housing association Dunedin Canmore, part of Wheatley Group.

The scheme is part funded by a £3.4m grant from the City of Edinburgh Council's Affordable Housing Programme. It follows Dunedin Canmore's earlier phase of work which began in March last year and will see 111 new homes built in nearby Craigmillar town centre.

Overall, the scheme forms part of a wider council-led regeneration of Craigmillar, with over £110m being invested to complete 324 homes in Craigmillar/ Greendykes area over last three years. A further 422 homes are currently under construction and 194 homes are due to start on site in the Spring.

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The development is scheduled for completion by winter 2020.

Dunedin Canmore Managing Director Hazel Young said: "I'm excited to see these new homes take shape and I can't wait for people move in and build their lives here. It's more than bricks and mortar. These new flats and houses will provide modern, cosy and energy efficient homes for the people of Edinburgh. We're delighted to play our part in the regeneration of Craigmillar."

Cllr Kate Campbell added: "Craigmillar lies at the heart of our ambitious plans to bring prosperity to every community in the city. These homes are another fantastic example of the collaboration between the Council and Dunedin Canmore that is improving Craigmillar. It is also a significant support to help us to build 20,000 affordable homes in the city."

(LM/MH)