Two phases of redevelopment have been completed at the former Bellfield Primary School site in Kilmarnock and new tenants are beginning to take up residence.

Works commenced at Tinto Avenue, Bellfield in September 2018, with East Ayrshire Council's strategic partner CCG (Scotland) Ltd. constructing 67 high quality, energy efficient homes across a range of sizes and types. Thirty homes have been completed so far and these include a mix of 2 and 3 bed general needs homes, along with bungalows for older and ambulant disabled residents as well as wheelchair accessible bungalows. A further 37 properties are still under construction with a completion date scheduled for the end of the year.

Leader of the Council, Douglas Reid, said: "There's a high demand for affordable housing in Bellfield and the Tinto Avenue development provides a wide range of homes designed to meet the needs of our residents throughout their life experiences.

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"It was a pleasure to meet Mae and Mary in their new home and to hear first-hand about the difference their new accessible home is making to their lives.

"The Council's house building programme within East Ayrshire is changing both lives and the local townscape – creating affordable homes, supporting the building industry and creating jobs for local people."

Calum Murray, Director of CCG, said: "Tinto Avenue is, so far, the largest project undertaken by CCG and East Ayrshire as part of our ambitious strategic partnership that will see over 400 affordable homes constructed across the region as well as the creation of job opportunities and community investment. We were delighted to hear that the new residents of Tinto Avenue are happy with their new homes and we look forward to welcoming more as the project progresses into the New Year."

All the homes, which are being procured through the Scottish Procurement Alliance, will meet Housing for Varying Needs and Secure by Design standards and will secure Silver Standard accreditation.

The project is being developed as part of the Scottish Government's target to deliver 50,000 affordable homes by 2021 and supports the Council's vision "Everyone in East Ayrshire to be able to afford and have access to a quality home that meets their needs and aspirations, and is located within a safe and attractive neighbourhood in which they are proud to live."

(MH/JG)