Nigel Griffiths MP has opened the latest phase of the £70m Moredun Park and Hyvot Regeneration Project with an unveiling ceremony at Ferniehill Church.

Mr Griffiths said: "The regeneration of Moredun Park & Hyvot is proving to be a real challenge but the potential is fantastic. It is great to see Dunedin Canmore working in close partnership with Edinburgh City Council and the community. The work here is reinvigorating the community and transforming the whole area."

Work on this major housing programme, a partnership between Dunedin Canmore Housing Association (DCHA), the council and the Scottish Government, began in 2004 with the first phase of demolitions and the construction of 19 new build amenity homes at Moredun Park.

-- Advertisement --

Overall the project, due to be completed by late 2012, will entail demolition of over 400 council homes; construction of over 400 new affordable homes for rent; refurbishment of 208 former council homes and 169 privately owned homes; and comprehensive environmental improvements.

Key to the success of the plans has been the involvement of the communities. Since the start of the project, Moredun and Hyvot Residents' Association has worked with Dunedin Canmore, and are still actively developing proposals for the area.

Councillor Paul Edie, Housing Convenor, said: "This marks the beginning of a new era for the residents. This has been possible thanks to the partnership between Dunedin Canmore and the council. It is a great example of the successful citywide partnership between the council and housing associations, which delivers 600 badly-needed new affordable homes for the city each year."

The new build properties, designed and developed in conjunction with local residents, have been allocated initially to those residents whose homes have been demolished as part of the regeneration programme. Any available properties will then be advertised and allocated through the 'Key to Choice' letting system.

(GK/JM)