In the lead up to Scottish Housing Day on Wednesday, September 13 2023, Grampian Housing Association (GHA) is taking the opportunity to celebrate the work of everyone who has made its first development of key worker housing a huge success.
In its first year of completion, the £13million development in Aberdeen’s desirable West End, is providing an affordable housing solution for key workers relocating to the North-east of Scotland for work, mainly with NHS Grampian. The transient nature of their employment, often on placement or short-term contracts means there is a higher turnover of properties. However, as anticipated, demand continues to outweigh supply with vacancies quickly re-let.
Foresterhill Court comprises of 101 two-bedroom properties. 58 apartments, 28 of which are fully furnished, are offered at mid-market rent ranging from £535 - £600 per month. 48 apartments are also available for social rent.
Craig Stirrat, chief executive of Grampian Housing Association said:-
“Housing associations are here to provide public benefit and deliver social value. We recognise that for a city such as Aberdeen to flourish, the economy needs nurses, police and firefighters. Often key workers find it hard to compete for homes against more highly-paid workers, due to the tight housing market and this stifles the ability of public sector organisations to attract and retain staff.
“To address the issue, Grampian Housing Association sought approval from Aberdeen City Council and the Scottish Government to introduce a local lettings policy which gives preference to key workers, so public bodies like NHS Grampian can recruit with confidence that accommodation will be available on site at the Foresterhill Health Campus.”
One key worker commented:-
“I’ve always wanted to work in Aberdeen but the cost of properties to buy or rent in the private sector was beyond my reach so this is the perfect solution and I absolutely love my flat.
“The location provides the ideal work life balance too. I’m as close to work as I can be so there is no commute. I’m near local parks and cycle routes which suits my lifestyle and Rosemount has become my go to place with its lovely selection of shops, cafes and restaurants.”
The properties have solar panels and modern electric heating systems installed so they are energy efficient as reflected in their EPC B rating which helps to keep fuel bills affordable too. White goods, floor coverings, window dressings and car parking are all included as standard in the mid-market rent homes, saving tenants a potential £3,500 when they first move in.
The site was purchased in collaboration with NHS Grampian and the University of Aberdeen Medical School and developed by Robertson Construction. It was funded by grant from the Scottish Government and borrowing by the Association and is an excellent example of a housing association redeveloping a former public sector site.
The North-east is an area where there is huge demand for quality affordable social housing. Grampian Housing Association’s ambition is to deliver up to 500 new homes over the next five years. In the past year alone, 113 properties have been added to its portfolio with the Association developing for the first time in Tarves and increasing the number of new homes in Inveruie and Oldmeldrum. In Moray, new developments were completed in Elgin and Forres.
Scottish Housing Day is intended to raise awareness of challenges and successes in the housing sector.