Construction is underway on Midlothian Council's newest energy-efficient housing development, located on the former site of the Danderhall library and leisure centre.

Contractor Ogilvie Construction is building a total of 23 one and two-bedroom flats, arranged in two blocks along Newton Church Road. The development will also include car parking, access routes, landscaping, and a dedicated play area.

These new properties are being built to the demanding Passivhaus standard, ensuring exceptional energy efficiency. Due for completion by summer 2026, these homes are part of a wider Midlothian Council initiative to deliver 207 council homes designed to this rigorous environmental standard. The buildings, designed by architects Architype, are engineered to effectively retain heat from the sun, significantly minimizing the need for additional heating or cooling.

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Midlothian Council's Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Stuart McKenzie, expressed his satisfaction with the project's progress: "It's great to see work underway on our latest energy-efficient and affordable council homes. These homes are helping us towards our commitment to make significant progress towards net zero carbon emissions by 2040 while tackling poverty."

Councillor McKenzie also highlighted the wider community benefits associated with the £6.93 million project, including the provision of apprenticeships and job opportunities for local residents.

Grier Edmead, Operations Director at Ogilvie Construction, emphasized their commitment to the local community: "We are proud to be working with Midlothian Council again to deliver high quality, energy efficient homes in Danderhall. As always, our site team will engage with nearby residents to keep them advised of progress of construction work and ensure minimum disruption throughout the project."

Ogilvie Construction Ltd is also currently constructing 90 Passivhaus homes on the former Newbattle High School site in Easthouses, a £25.038 million project slated for completion later this year and representing Midlothian Council's most ambitious energy-efficient housing development to date.