South Ayrshire Council's latest development of affordable housing has officially opened.

The £4.5 million development saw the construction of new cottage flats, townhouses and bungalows to completely transform the site of the former Whitletts Primary School.

Tenants have already snapped up all 26 of the modern, bright and spacious homes at the appropriately named 'School Gardens' development. The new properties are energy efficient and with solar panels on the roofs, it's hoped tenants notice a significant reduction in their energy bills.

The buildings have a mix of between one and six bedrooms and have been designed with flexibility in mind, for example one bedroom accommodation can be converted into two if required.

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Councillor Philip Saxton, Housing and Community Wellbeing Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "I am delighted with the new development; these homes are a great addition to the area.

"The build quality is exceptional and with an eye on tackling fuel poverty, we have ensured these homes have an A or B energy rating which should help with utility bills.

"This project is not just about bricks and mortar it's about breathing new life into our communities. Our tenants have already settled in to their surroundings and I know they are over the moon with their new homes."

Allan Callaghan, Managing Director for Cruden Building, said: "Cruden Building is delighted to have completed this modern housing development with South Ayrshire Council. Each of the properties is built to a high standard and will be warmer and cheaper to run.

"As with all Cruden Building developments, we supported the local community during construction and were particularly pleased to donate £1,500 to the Domain Youth Centre in the Whitletts area to help create a sensory garden for young people with autism to explore and enjoy."

Cruden also provided job opportunities for those living in the area; they created a joiner placement and two additional roles on site.

Project funding came from the Scottish Government's Housing Subsidy programme, South Ayrshire Council and from income generated from Council Tax levied on second homes.

(MH/CM)