Midlothian Council has reported strong momentum at Shawfair and Craighall Village, with around 1,070 homes completed, more than 1,100 currently being built and approximately 3,000 additional properties progressing through the planning system.

Eight housebuilders are active across the new settlement, with several parcels moving forward in parallel. This level of delivery makes Shawfair one of Scotland's busiest large-scale housing sites at present.

The programme is designed to help tackle housing need, with 20–25% of the homes allocated for affordable rent.

Key infrastructure is being installed alongside new housing to support a low-carbon, well-connected community. Nearly 20km of pipework has been laid for the Shawfair district heat network, and almost all homes now under construction are expected to connect, providing low-carbon heating and hot water with prices protected from wider energy market pressures. The network is being delivered by Midlothian Energy Ltd, a joint venture between Midlothian Council and Vattenfall Heat UK.

Preparatory works are under way for the new all-through Shawfair Campus. Due for completion in June 2028, it will open with a two-stream primary (capacity 459) and early years provision, with plans to expand to a three-stream primary (capacity 676) as demand grows. Secondary facilities will initially accommodate 900 pupils, rising to 1,200 when required, and will include sports and community amenities. A planning application for the campus has been submitted to Midlothian Council's Planning Authority.

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Shawfair already benefits from a Borders Railway station and an expanding active travel network, underpinning the area's sustainability and connectivity.

Progress at the site reflects an "infrastructure first" delivery model. Early investment by key partners and the council, supported by external funding, has enabled development at scale. This includes a Vacant and Derelict Land grant for remediation of the former Monktonhall Colliery and funding from the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme to help establish the district heat network.

Cllr Stuart McKenzie, Midlothian Council Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "Shawfair is growing into a well-planned community with new homes, a new school and modern infrastructure coming together in one place.

"This approach helps us meet housing need while building for the future, with low-carbon heating, good transport links and community facilities from the outset.

"While construction on this scale can bring disruption for residents living nearby, the council and Shawfair LLP meet regularly with landowners and developers to coordinate activity and reduce impacts where possible. The Shawfair website has also recently being updated, helping residents keep track of progress.

"We want residents to feel reassured that services and infrastructure are being delivered alongside new homes, supporting a great, green place to grow."

The wider programme is delivering community benefits spanning wellbeing, infrastructure, youth engagement, environmental improvements and education across Danderhall, Newton, Millerhill and Midlothian. From 2025, the Shawfair Community Fund—backed by housebuilders—will provide £12,000 annually to local organisations and events such as Chris's House Walk of Hope, Danderhall & Newton Gala Day, Millerhill Community Hub Café, The Base youth club, Danderhall Lunch Club and CyclingUK initiatives. Additional direct support, including funding, materials, volunteer coordination and partnership brokering, is also being provided to groups such as the Danderhall & District Guerrilla Gardeners, Newton Parish Church, Storehouse Foodbank and Myeloma UK fundraising events.