Work is set to commence on a £6.5 million project to upgrade the Double Dykes Gypsy/Traveller site near Perth. The initiative aims to replace outdated chalets with modern, energy-efficient accommodation and implement significant site improvements.

Perth & Kinross Council secured £3.9 million from the Scottish Government's Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Fund to support the project. The remaining funds will be provided by the Council.

This investment aligns with the Scottish Government's commitment to improving the lives of Gypsy/Travellers, as outlined in the 2019 Action Plan. The Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Fund, established in 2021, provides financial support for renovating existing sites or constructing new ones.

The Double Dykes improvement scheme will see:

• 20 brand new chalets built to replace existing older accommodation

• New energy-efficient heating and hot water systems installed using renewable technology like solar panels, with the potential to be net zero

• The installation of new services and utilities connections

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• New fencing for each pitch

• Improvements to existing roadways and fences on site

• Upgrades to LED street lighting throughout the site

• Improvements to site drainage

• Development of play areas around the site with opportunities for a communal gathering area, seating area, and the potential for a community garden area

• Installation of new paths to provide improved access across the site.

Following the news in September 2024 that the original contractor Hadden Construction would not be able to carry out the work on the site, Council officers have been working to secure a replacement contractor.

After a short tendering process Ogilvie Construction Ltd was named this week as the preferred contractor. Ogilvie, based in Stirling, is one of Scotland's largest construction companies.

There will be a visit to Double Dykes by representatives of Ogilvie Construction over the next few days, and work is planned to begin on-site today, Monday 25 November 2024.

Tenants whose chalets are being replaced in Phase One of the project have been decanted, or are in the process of being moved, to alternative accommodation of their choice.

Housing and Social Wellbeing Convener, Councillor Tom McEwan, said: "It is great news that we have quickly appointed a replacement contractor for this important project.

"The work will totally transform the lives of Double Dykes residents. The existing chalets at the site have been in place for some time and the replacement accommodation will be modern and energy efficient, helping residents to save on their bills.

"We have worked very closely with residents so far, and this will continue. The chalet replacement programme will be carried out in three phases to minimise disruption to residents.

"The people who live at Double Dykes are tenants of the Council and we have a duty to provide the best services we can for them. I am delighted that this project to improve the lives of our tenants is set to begin."