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Construction work to start on third phase of new-build

Construction work is due to begin at the site of the former Croft House care home as Aberdeen’s new-build council house programme continues apace.

A sod-cutting ceremony to mark the start of Phase 3 of the build will take place at 11am on Thursday 28 April at the Oldcroft Place site, Stockethill.

Aberdeen City Council appointed top construction company Robertson Construction Eastern Ltd to build 31 homes as part of the council’s commitment to build the first mainstream family homes in the city in over 30 years.

Robertson will create a Homezone scheme in a courtyard layout with sheltered external spaces that will encourage social interaction. More than a third of the site will be retained as public amenity space which will enhance the surrounding area.

The properties will be a mix of home types and sizes including two bedroom flats and three bedroom family homes. They will be environmentally sustainable, good quality properties with parking spaces provided within the Homezone.

The Homezone aims to change the way streets are used and to improve the quality of life by making areas safe for people, with the needs of drivers secondary to the needs of other users of the street.

By limiting the volume and speed of traffic, the zones create a better environment for play, relaxation and for residents to meet up.

Aberdeen City Council’s Housing and Environment convener, Councillor Aileen Malone, said: “This sod-cutting ceremony marks the start of Phase 3 of Aberdeen’s first social housing in the city for three generations.

“Phase 1 is almost complete and Phase 2 is well under way so I’m absolutely delighted that in this challenging economic climate we are able to deliver first-rate 21st century housing for the people of Aberdeen.”

Pete Leonard, Director of Housing and Environment at Aberdeen City Council, added: “The start of Phase 3 of Aberdeen’s new-build social housing programme shows our commitment to delivering the housing required by our citizens.

“It is wonderful to think that the first tenants are expected to move into the Phase 1 accommodation this summer.”

The phase 3 building work is due for completion in April 2012.

Elsewhere in Aberdeen work is near completion on Phase 1 of the new-build programme, which will see the creation of 85 new homes at Hayton Road in Tillydrone, Byron Court in Northfield and Rorie Hall in Cults.

Following the sod-cutting event there will be a preview at 12.15pm [Thursday 28 April] of a finished property from the Phase 1 development at Byron Court, on the former site of Byron Park School in Northfield.

There will be a presentation by a representative of developers Stewart Milne Construction and a tour of a finished property, highlighting the sustainable elements and other key features of the scheme.

Phase 2 is also well under way, with the creation of 35 family homes at Marchburn Drive due for completion in December 2011.

Aberdeen City Council’s new-build programme (for all three phases) is being funded by the housing revenue account and £3,030,000 of the Scottish Government’s Incentivising New Council House Building monies. The Oldcroft Place development has received £930,000 (£30,000 per unit) of New Build grant monies from the Scottish Government.

The council plans to continue to build more new homes both for general needs and special needs, which will make a significant contribution to meeting the requirements and demands of its citizens and help stop the flow of households moving from the city to Aberdeenshire.

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