Construction has commenced on a major affordable housing development on a prominent corner site on Blackness Road in the West End of Dundee. Clark Contracts is the building firm appointed to deliver the project, which has a total funding commitment of over £8 million, 500 thousand ($8.5m).

The scheme will provide 24 new flats, including six wheelchair-accessible one-bedroom properties and 18 two-bedroom properties, contributing to Dundee City Council's commitment to delivering affordable, secure, and energy-efficient homes. The total cost of the project is £8,527,000, with funding coming from the Council's Housing Revenue Account (£5,201,918.55), a provisional Scottish Government Affordable Housing Investment Grant (£2,326,000, and Council Tax income from second homes.

The design of the development is sympathetic to the surrounding area's traditional tenements but incorporates modern construction techniques to ensure resilience and sustainability. Key construction and energy elements include:

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• Structural Work: Use of enhanced foundation detailing and retaining wall structures.

• Energy Systems: Installation of a heating system comprising a hybrid boiler/air source heat pump, aligning with the council's sustainability commitments.

• Insulation: High-performing insulation materials to ensure energy efficiency and sustainability.

Dundee councillors joined representatives from Clark Contracts at the site to mark the start of the work.

Kevin Cordell, Convener of the neighbourhood, housing and communities committee, welcomed the delivery: "Seeing work underway on this site is the start of delivering a longstanding commitment to redevelopment, and I am delighted that work has begun.

"The homes that are being built here are contributing to meeting the need for affordable housing in the city to ensure that all residents have access to secure, energy efficient and sustainable homes suitable now and in the future."

Michael Scanlan, Director at Clark Contracts, noted the significance of the construction: "It is fantastic to be delivering this affordable housing development in partnership with Dundee City Council. We recognise the increasing demand for housing and hope the new homes will make a real difference for individuals across the Dundee area."

It is anticipated that the construction work will be completed in 2027, with the first residents expected to move in by Autumn of that year.