Scottish Water is broadening its horizons in Midlothian, driving a potential 6500 home development with its new OneSource brand.

OneSource is the infrastructure consultancy arm of Horizons - the new commercial stand-alone business created by the utility.

Chair of Horizons, Scottish Water's Commercial Director, Chris Banks said: "Despite the turbulent economy there is still a great need in Scotland for new homes, in particular affordable housing. Thousands of such homes are to be built across the Edinburgh commuter belt, allowing for the necessary expansion of the Lothians. OneSource is playing a crucial role in helping such developments progress smoothly."

The concept was created in response to developer's calls for a dedicated commercial and customer-focussed service for connections work. It provides developers with an end-to-end service for the provision and management of utilities and other infrastructure.

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Mr Banks explains: "OneSource draws on years of experience to manage the water and waste water network when new estates are being constructed. It chimes with Scottish Water's sustainable development objectives."

The consultancy is already helping to grow Scotland's economy while contributing to a more sustainable environment. The water network for thousands of much needed new homes in the Gorebridge, Bonnyrigg and Newtongrange areas will be laid directly by OneSource. Midlothian Council will complete the construction of 219 affordable new homes this year, and 207 next year.

Derek Milligan, Midlothian Council Leader said: "Midlothian Council invested a significant amount of time and effort to make this joint venture successful and to open social housing for rent in Gorebridge and neighbouring areas.

"The investment by developers and Council as equal partners allows future water supply for developments in the area to be assured for many years to come. I can see this innovative project being used by others as an example of resolving infrastructure shortages across many development sites."

In all, the site will involve 9 developers, including the local authority. They have already provided £4.2m investment to build a 2.5m litre service reservoir (the size of an Olympic swimming pool), which will increase the capacity of the Scottish Water network in this area allowing the local authority and developers to meet their growth projections.

This will also provide the opportunity to lay around 10 kilometres of new mains necessary for this massive development.

(GK/KMcA)