Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) has issued a formal response to the Scottish Government's announcement of "More Homes Scotland," a dedicated national agency designed to accelerate the delivery of housing across the country.

The establishment of the agency follows the housing emergency declaration in May 2024 and aims to streamline the construction of affordable homes. More Homes Scotland will prioritise large-scale affordable housing projects, rural and island communities, and the unlocking of stalled sites through land release and infrastructure support. The agency is also set to work closely with the Scottish National Investment Bank to leverage private finance.

BE-ST, which has spent over a decade driving transformational approaches to construction since its launch by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council, noted that the new agency's vision aligns with its own core mission.

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The innovation centre highlighted that its work particularly focuses on how modern methods of construction (MMC) and the use of sustainable, local materials can increase the speed and quality of homebuilding.

In a statement regarding the new agency, BE-ST said: "This announcement acknowledges that our approach to housing delivery in Scotland needs to change if we are to address the housing emergency."

The organisation continued: "Exploring innovative and transformational approaches to housing delivery has been a key focus of BE-ST since it was launched by Scottish Funding Council and the Scottish Government over ten years ago. We have particularly focused on how modern methods of construction, and local, sustainable materials and products, can play an increasingly important role in speeding up the delivery of the better quality, more sustainable, more affordable homes Scotland's communities need."

The statement concluded by looking toward future collaboration: "The vision behind More Homes Scotland aligns closely with BE-ST's mission, and through our knowledge, insight, and network of industry innovators, we look forward to supporting More Homes Scotland to unlock the full potential of Scotland's innovative construction and manufacturing expertise."