Partnership promises 49 new affordable homes for Milton of Leys

Albyn Housing Society and housebuilder partner Bancon Construction have started work on a new phase of affordable housing in Inverness.

The new development, Balvonie Braes, will have 49 homes including one, two, three and four bedroom flats, semi-detached, detached and terraced units.

Over 30 of the homes will be available for social rent, while nine will be available for mid-market rent and four through the Lift (Low Cost Initiative for First Time Buyers) scheme administered by Albyn’s mid-market housing partner,– Highland Residential.

In recent months, Albyn Housing Society has completed homes in Alness, Conon-Bridge, Inverness, Aviemore and Kirkhill as part of its commitment to create 750 new Highland homes by 2020.

The new development represents a total investment of £7.5 million, including £4.8 million support from the Scottish Government and £54,000 through Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal financing.

With construction now under way, the handover to Albyn Housing Society is expected to take place in January 2020

Albyn chief executive Calum Macaulay said: "Our main commitment as a housing society has always been to bring high quality homes to those who need it most. We pride ourselves as being a housing society that can deliver housing at scale.

"We will continue to do this by building quality, affordable, energy efficient homes for rent and for sale in the communities that need them most, which ultimately, will contribute not only to the region’s housing demand, but the continued sustainability of the region and its distinct communities as a whole."

Gavin Currie, managing director of Bancon Construction, said his company was extremely pleased to have been awarded it first contract with Albyn Housing and looked forward to working closely with the team during construction.

Scotland’ housing minister, Kevin Stewart, commented: "I’m delighted to see further work begin at Balvonie Braes, a highly desirable area in Inverness. This project highlights the positive partnership work ongoing in the Highland Council area through the work of the Highland Housing hub."

The Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal sets out the areas where the Scottish Government will commit investment of up to £135 million, with a further £53.1 million coming from the UK Government and £127 million from Highland Council and partners.

Highland Council’s environment, development and infrastructure committee chairman, Councillor Allan Henderson said: "Working with our partners, we have other City Region Deal funded housing projects underway across the Highlands and are on target to deliver 750 new mid-market homes over the coming years."