Grampian Housing Association (GHA) and Barratt has announced the successful completion of the first phase of a new affordable housing development in Elgin.

The homes are the latest to be developed by Grampian Housing Association in partnership with Moray Council and Barratt & David Wilson Homes North Scotland.

Speaking about the handover of last new homes in this phase, Craig Stirrat, chief executive of the Grampian Housing Group said: "We aim to not just build great homes but also aim to ensure that our current and future tenants enjoy desirable, high quality places to live where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive and grow.

"We are extremely delighted to have worked with Barratt to deliver these impressive new affordable homes in this tenure neutral community of Findrassie.

"The homes represent Grampian's ongoing commitment to the communities of Moray with one third of its 3,900 strong social rented property portfolio located throughout the area."

This phase of 25 properties is designed to meet the diverse needs of the growing population of Elgin. It comprises of one detached house, 13 terraced houses and 11 wheelchair accessible bungalows which are a mix of two, three and four bedroom properties along with one five bedroom property.

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The total scheme cost of £4.5 million attracted £2.39 million in grant from the Scottish Government with the balance funded by the Association.

The next phase, which is well under way ,comprises of 16 one bed apartments due for completion in Autumn 2024.

Scott Pettitt, technical director, Barratt & David Wilson Homes North Scotland, said: "It is great to see this next phase of Barratt's supply of affordable homes reach completion and be handed over to Grampian Housing Association. These new homes are high quality and have a strong sustainable focus, which reflects more accurately how we live today and how we will live in the future.

"The sustainable design, construction and placemaking we have built into the development are key to realising the Findrassie masterplan vision. We are incredibly proud of what we have delivered for our client, Grampian Housing Association and for the Elgin Community."

Notably, Martin Rait, site manager Barratt & David Wilson Homes won a NHBC Pride in the Job 'Quality Award' for this development.

Findrassie lies to the north of Elgin and is a new community surrounded by excellent facilities and a high-quality environment. The Findrassie landscape-led masterplan was the subject of a design forum review facilitated by Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS). It reflects the traditional built form and open space of Elgin. It has also been categorised as 'well-considered' by A&DS with the partnership working between Moray Council and Pitgaveny Estates, the landowner and cited as 'national best practice'.

Fiona Geddes, housing strategy and development manager, Moray Council said: "Both Grampian Housing Association and Barratt & David Wilson Homes are valued partners in the delivery of new build affordable housing to help the Council to meet local needs.

"The completion of this phase of the development is welcomed as it provides an increase in supply of housing suitable for older people and people with disabilities who require ground floor accommodation. Larger family sized homes intended to alleviate overcrowding and homelessness have also been included.

"We wish households moving in, happiness in their new homes and hope they will become part of a vibrant new community."

Grampian has a long-standing mission to provide new affordable homes across the North East of Scotland for social rent in high quality places to address the housing supply crisis.