The JR Group has partnered with Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA) for a milestone housing project across two locations in close proximity to each other in Hawick.

Marking the inaugural partnership project for The JR Group and SBHA, the development of 16 new build homes sits across two locations – the first at Fairhurst Drive, and the second at Leisham Drive – in the Burnfoot area of Hawick.

The developments will include a mix of homes tailored for both families and older residents alike. The homes have been designed to complement the well-established and popular residential area of the town they sit within.

The Fairhurst Drive site will feature 12 homes, including one- and two-bedroom cottage flats with accessibility features, as well as two- and three-bedroom family homes.

The neighbouring development at the town's Leisham Drive includes four additional three- and four-bedroom family homes, providing vital new opportunities for larger homes within the housing supply in this highly desired location.

The projects will be built by The JR Group to high environmental standards. These highly energy efficient homes will include photo voltaic panels to generate electricity and will be heated by air source heat pumps, ensuring low energy costs for future tenants.

Working alongside The JR Group and SBHA, a number of other partners are also on board to help seamlessly deliver the project including architects Aitken Turnbull, engineer Bayne Stevenson, M&E consultant RSP and employers agent Langmuir and Hay.

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To ensure that the expertise of local suppliers was at the forefront of this project, The JR Group also held a Meet the Buyer event in November last year to meet local sub-contractors and suppliers, in a bid for them to become part of its approved supply chain and help deliver the project successfully.

As a result, more than 45 businesses came forward and have built a foundation of fantastic local suppliers to support this project as it progresses.

Andrew Dallas, Projects Director for The JR Group, said: "This is The JR Group's first project in the Scottish Borders with the Scottish Borders Housing Association, and we're delighted to be a part of such a fantastic opportunity to develop the already popular community of Hawick.

"A core part of our business is investing in, and supporting local communities, which also includes providing opportunities for local businesses and suppliers. It was great to meet so many high-quality Borders-based suppliers during our event at the end of last year, they will certainly become an integral part of driving this development forward.

"We look forward to working with the SBHA team on this duo of developments and hope to further establish a solid working relationship for future projects across the Scottish Borders."

Julia Mulloy, Chief Executive of Scottish Borders Housing Association said: "We are thrilled to be bringing land back into use across two locations in Burnfoot to deliver these much-needed homes. We appreciate the support of Scottish Borders Council and the Scottish Government to deliver these homes, during what is a very challenging time for the sector, particularly building new homes in rural locations.

"Construction on site will progress in the coming months, and we look forward to working with The JR Group on this project. The partnership between our organisations and joint commitment to working with the local supply chain will ensure that these new homes benefit both the local community and the region's economic growth."

Councillor Robin Tatler, Scottish Borders Council's Executive Member for Communities and Equalities, said: "I am delighted that the Council has been able to support these affordable housing developments with £785,000 from our Affordable Housing Investment Budget, which is funded by second homes council tax.

"The variety of homes being built will help address local housing need and I am also particularly pleased that local businesses will also benefit during the construction phase."