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The JR Group has completed a significant redevelopment in the heart of Tranent, transforming the historic former Fa'side Lodge and church grounds into a new residential community of 28 high-quality homes.
The project was awarded to The JR Group by East Lothian Council and delivers homes designed and built to the highest standards of accessibility, sustainability, and energy efficiency. The site holds centuries of history, having previously housed a church, a GP surgery, the former Tranent Public School, and most recently, the Fa'side Lodge Care Home before its demolition in 2016.
The development, supported by £2.621 million in Scottish Government grant funding, has created a mix of modern, future-proofed homes built to Housing for Varying Needs standards.
East Lothian Council now takes ownership of 10 one-bedroom flats, four two-bedroom flats, and one fully wheelchair-accessible bungalow for council rent. A further 13 homes (a mix of one- and two-bedroom flats, cottage flats, and bungalows) will be owned and managed by the East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership.
Key features of the development include zero direct emissions heating, digital connectivity, infrastructure for electric vehicle charging, and automatic fire suppression systems.
Andrew Dallas, Projects Director at The JR Group, said the project was a fantastic example of how unused and derelict land can be repurposed to deliver modern, energy-efficient homes that meet real local need. He added: "It's been a privilege to contribute to the town's regeneration, transforming a once-vacant site into a thriving residential community that complements its historic surroundings."
Throughout the build, The JR Group supported the local community through its community benefits programme, which included donating boxing gloves to the local gym and sponsoring a Tranent FC matchday.
Councillor Andy Forrest, East Lothian Council Spokesperson for Housing and Property Maintenance, praised the outcome: "The JR Group has delivered a high-quality project that provides much-needed affordable and assisted living homes for our community. These properties will make a real difference to tenants and highlight the importance of continuing our affordable housing programme across East Lothian."
