Tag: CALA Homes (East)

Cala breaks ground on affordable homes in South Queensferry

CONSTRUCTION has begun on the second phase of affordable homes in South Queensferry which will provide a much-needed boost to housing supply.

Cala Homes (East), in partnership with Manor Estates Housing Association (MEHA), has broken ground on 25 social rent homes at its Queensferry Heights development near the Firth of Forth.

The £4.3 million project, supported by the City of Edinburgh Council with grant funding from the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Investment Programme, includes 15 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 10 three-bedroom terraced houses.

It builds on the 19 homes that have already been built and handed over to MEHA as part of the first phase, taking the total number of affordable homes delivered across the development to 44.

The second phase of homes are scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026, providing new opportunities for families and individuals seeking affordable living in the area.

Derek Lawson, Strategic Land Director at Cala Homes (East), said: “Given all the challenges around building new affordable homes in Scotland we are delighted to have agreed all the terms required to start work on this second, larger phase.

“Manor Estates Housing Association is based locally and has already proven to be an excellent partner to work with at this location. Together we’re able to ensure that those moving in can benefit from warm, efficient and contemporary homes, within a flourishing community.”

The development, located in a prime position near the Forth Bridges, offers excellent transport links and access to local amenities, making it a desirable location for new residents. As with the first phase of 19 MEHA homes, the second phase blends seamlessly with the wider private development.

In addition to its attractive location, the development has been designed with sustainability and community in mind, featuring energy-efficient homes and integrated green spaces.

Cala have signed a contract with housing association, Manor Estates, to provide 19affordable homes at Cala’s Queensferry Heights development. Pictured: site manager Gavin McCann and Manor Estates’s CEO, Claire Ironside and Chair of the Board, Rachel Hutton (Glasses)

Amanda Hay, Property Services Director with Manor Estates Housing Association said: “Our goal is to create safe, sustainable communities, and this project is an excellent example of what can be achieved through collaboration with Cala Homes and support from the Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council. 

“We are delighted to have appointed C~urb Property Development to provide a full development consultancy service for this phase of new homes.”

C~urb Property Development, part of the Link group of companies, provides expert affordable housing development services to a range of customers including Registered Social Landlords cross Scotland.

Keith Giblett, Chair with Queensferry and District Community Council (QDCC), said: “QDCC is pleased that Cala has found a way forward to deliver the much needed affordable homes working with Manor Estates, an existing provider of homes in Queensferry.

“The added benefit is the Community Council has good working relationships with Manor built up over many years which is good for the community of Queensferry.” 

Cala launches new five-bedroom showhome at Craighall Village

Award-winning homebuilder Cala Homes (East), has launched its first showhome at Craighall Village in Midlothian – the first development within the area to connect to the Midlothian Energy Limited (MEL) Heat Network.

Overall, Craighall Village will see over 600 homes delivered along with future plans for a bus park and ride, and a future spine road that will connect the new village to the Edinburgh City Bypass and A68.

As well as being within easy reach of Edinburgh City Centre, the development also benefits from having Shawfair and Musselburgh train stations close by as well as a range of local amenities, and space to walk and relax at Dalkieth Country Park.

The Monktons is the first phase to be released by Cala at Craighall Village, and will offer a mix of 57, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes. The five-bedroom Lowther showhome at The Monktons launched on 31 August and is the first of three showhomes launching this year. This spacious detached home will offer the first glimpse into what life could be like at Craighall Village.

The stylish Lowther showhome is the epitome of spacious living, it has been designed with family living in mind boasting a generous kitchen / dining / living area complete with integrated Siemens appliances and beautiful bi-fold doors leading into the generous landscaped rear garden. The large formal lounge is also located on the ground floor and offers the perfect room to entertain friends and family.

Upstairs, there are four large double bedrooms, each with built-in wardrobes, the fifth bedroom could be used as a playroom for the children, a hobby, gym room, or study, perfect for those days when you are working from home. In addition to generous room layouts and ceiling heights, this home also has an abundance of storage space along with an integrated double garage.

As Craighall Village is set on the outskirts of Edinburgh, you aren’t just buying a characterful, high-specification new home – you’re buying into a new lifestyle. A brand new, aspirational community where it’s as easy to enjoy the great outdoors as the bright lights of Scotland’s capital city. 

In addition to all of the above, Craighall Village reiterates Cala’s commitment to offering low carbon and gas free solutions, with the development being the first in the area to connect to the Midlothian Energy Limited (MEL) Heat Network.

The MEL heat network is owned and operated by Vattenfall as part of its joint venture with Midlothian Council – Midlothian Energy Limited.

Each property at Craighall Village will be part of the shared heat network which removes the requirement for individual boilers as well as associated maintenance costs. It will serve residents with reliable, low carbon heating and hot water at a fair price. This exciting venture is part of the Scottish Government’s drive to reach zero carbon emissions by 2045. 

Elaine Doyle, Sales and Marketing Director at Cala Homes (East), said: “Craighall Village is the perfect location for potential buyers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and set up home in a welcoming new community. Its picturesque surroundings, fantastic amenities and great connections to Edinburgh city centre make it the perfect location for established families, couples or downsizers.

“Here at Cala Homes (East) we are thrilled to offer this latest addition to our portfolio in the region. These homes have been beautifully designed, and Craighall Village is set to be one of the most exciting new places to call home. I would encourage potential homebuyers to register their interest as soon as possible.”

The Lowther showhome is available to view now. More information, including availability and prices can be found here.

Breathing Space benches at Cammo Meadows development

Leading homebuilders have unveiled two new Breathing Space benches at a development in Edinburgh

Cala Homes (East) has installed a bench at the Cammo Meadows development to help boost mental health awareness, providing a space for locals and residents to take some time out of their day for a quiet moment of reflection.

A second bench has been installed by David Wilson Homes East Scotland who, alongside Cala Homes (East), have jointly funded the benches.

Cala Homes (East) has placed its bench in a quiet corner, at the western edge of the development, beside a local woodland walk and cycle path to provide picturesque views of the historic Cammo Estate.

An inscribed plaque will clearly display contact information for Breathing Space, a free telephone service which aims to help those in Scotland who are experiencing anxiety, stress or feeling low.

Peter McNamara Site Manager at Cala Homes’ (East) Cammo Meadows development, said: “We are delighted to unveil this Breathing Space bench at Cammo Meadows. The bench will act as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, and we hope that residents use it for moments of peaceful reflection.

“Its position beside the Cammo Estate is also something we took into consideration, as it means it’s not just those who live at Cammo Meadows, but also the wider community are able to use the bench, not just those that live within the development. This gives everyone a chance to benefit from this peaceful setting and take some time out.”

Tony McLaren, National Co-ordinator for Breathing Space, said: “The benches we have installed help the spread of positivity, as well as encouraging people to reach out to those who need it most. By adding the plaque with our phone number, we hope to make more people aware of the helpline which is available on weekday evenings and 24 hours at weekends. Those looking to speak to a Breathing Space advisor can call 0800 83 85 87.

“We hope the residents and the whole community at Cammo Meadows and surrounding area are able to enjoy the bench, in this serene and calm setting, and that it has a positive impact on the local community.”

Anne Ross, sales director at David Wilson Homes East Scotland, part of Barratt Developments Scotland, said: “The new Breathing Space bench at our Cammo Meadows development is a welcome addition to the site, providing a space for the local community to relax and find a moment of calm amidst busy schedules.

“Residents and locals experiencing anxiety, stress or who are feeling low can also find contact details for a free telephone service on each bench’s plaque. It might not seem much, but these two small corners of calm are a positive step in supporting and shifting the stigma surrounding mental health.”

To learn more about Cammo Meadows, or to request a viewing, call 0131 5156 4399 or visit: https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/cammo-meadows

To learn more about the portfolio of properties developed by Cala Homes (East), visit www.cala.co.uk/east-of-scotland/  

RHS pupil planters brighten up their local communities

PUPILS from The Royal High School have created planters, using materials donated from Cala Homes (East), to brighten up their local community this summer.

The project saw 30 S2 Craft, Design and Technology (CDT) pupils working in groups to create 12 planters. Six of the planters have been housed at Cala’s Cammo Meadows development in Edinburgh. The remaining six have been donated to nearby community groups, including the Corstorphine Dementia Project and Oaklands School, to help brighten up the local area.

Cala Homes (East) initiated the project as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the communities in which it builds, donating both building materials and tools to The Royal High School.

The housing developer contributed more than 108 metres of specially treated timber as well as panel saws, staple guns, small electric chop saws, glue and screws. All the tools and materials requested by the school as part of the project were used under teacher supervision.

Mr Davy Allan, CDT teacher at The Royal High School, who oversaw the design and running of the project, said: “This project has been hugely beneficial for the pupils who have acquired new practical skills during the course of building these planters.

“Pupils were taught how to measure and mark accurately, how to cut complex angles safely and how to apply appropriate finishes to ensure materials are weather resistant.

“Due to the scale of the final product, it also gave pupils an opportunity to work collaboratively to physically cut, measure and move the units around the workshop. They also had to work as a team to get the planters assembled correctly. This experience will help these young pupils understand how these practical skills are implemented in the real world.”

Philip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director from Cala Homes (East) said: “We are delighted to work with The Royal High School on this planter project.

“Not only does the project provide positive learning outcomes for the pupils, it has resulted in 12 stunning planters which have been placed at key locations across Northwest Edinburgh for the local community to enjoy.”

Once assembled, Cala Homes (East) worked with its landscapers Land Technology to fill the planters with a range of eye-catching flowers and plants. The mixture of hardy evergreen and bright coloured perennials will ensure longevity, while providing food and shelter for insects.

The Cammo Meadows development features a stunning selection of one-,two- and three-bedroom apartments priced from £220,000, two- and three-bedroom Capital homes from £335,000 as well as detached homes from £755,000, all set within the desirable suburb of Cammo.

To learn more about Cammo Meadows, or to request a viewing, call 01316 083 081 or visit: https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/cammo-meadows

To learn more about the portfolio of properties developed by Cala Homes (East), visit www.cala.co.uk/east-of-scotland/

Cala Homes donates whiteboards to help pupils at Royal Blind School

Homebuilder Cala Homes (East) has donated £3,130 to Sight Scotland for the purchase of two white boards to aid teaching at the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh.

The new large white boards will allow pupils with a Vision Impairment to view materials that would otherwise be too small or inaccessible in a group setting.

The screens contain specialist software which makes the structure of lessons more convenient, flexible and interactive. The screens also enhances the level of engagement between teachers and students as it can be controlled by a specialist device called a ‘switch’ which allows pupils with physical disabilities to control the software on screen.

The large screen element is also very motivating for pupils with VI, plus it allows pairs or groups to work together on programmes to support their learning and encourage peer support.

The Royal Blind School in Edinburgh provides unique, specialist education and support to young people with sight loss, many of whom also have other complex additional support needs.

The school provides an environment in which all can participate, learn, explore and develop their skills. This includes employing specialist staff, investing in specialist equipment and providing a programme of interactive and stimulating activities.

Depute Head Teacher at the Royal Blind School, Karen Boyd, comments: “We are so appreciative of this kind donation from Cala Homes.

“The white boards will really help with the education of all our pupils, these screens are used daily in classes and the existing screens we had were old and out-of-date so they could no longer run the updated software required to support the pupils learning.“

Cala Homes (East) has refurbished and reimagined the former site of the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh into an impressive new housing development, comprising of 21 spacious contemporary apartments and a selection of new build townhouses, named Newington Residences.

Phillip Hogg, sales and marketing director for Cala Homes (East), said: “We are delighted to support the ongoing work of the former custodians of this historic Edinburgh site.

“We hope that the new white boards will enhance not only the learning experience for pupils but also the fantastic work the teachers and staff do every day.”

Cala Homes (East) has recently unveiled two brand-new showhomes at its Newington Residences development. The three-bedroom townhouse showhome comes complete with a city garden and private carport.

The stunning three-bedroom show apartment, situated within the Victorian Clocktower and former Royal Blind School building, showcases how contemporary interiors and character can blend seamlessly. Both showhomes are open daily for viewing by appointment. 

For more information, please visit sightscotland.org.uk  or www.cala.co.uk/edinburgh

Adopted Leither starts new chapter on Edinburgh waterfront

A BRAND NEW four-bedroom townhouse on the capital’s enviable waterfront has transformed a man hailing from the west of Wales into a Leith local.

John Evans, stumbled across the Waterfront Plaza development by Cala Homes (East) when out on a walk and decided it was the best location for him to start a new chapter.

John moved to Edinburgh more than 25 years ago and has since fallen in love with Leith and everything it has to offer. He made the move to the highly desired Waterfront Plaza from his previous home in Trinity last year.

The Welshman has grown a close affinity to Leith, starting the charity LeithGives during the first lockdown with the aim of providing support to those in need during the pandemic – through local business, charity and community partnerships.

John said: “I love spending every day in the heart of Leith. I have everything I need around me and wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s so sought after for a reason.

“To now live exactly where I want to live and in the perfect home has been absolutely brilliant. I knew about Waterfront Plaza from my work on the board of the Leith Trust, however I never considered it as a potential home until I stumbled across it on a walk one day.”

November 2021 saw John make the switch from a five-bedroom Victorian house in Trinity to one of Waterfront Plaza’s modern four-bedroom townhouses. The townhouses at the development feature an expansive terrace, well designed interiors and Cala’s signature high specification and contemporary style.

One of the bedrooms in the four-bedroom property has been converted by John to a study from where he works from home and he is also in the midst of transforming his garden space into a bee-friendly area.

John says: “The home has been so easy to change and adapt to exactly what I am after. It’s been ideal to have my own study whilst the world gets used to hybrid working. I’m also keen to start my own bee-friendly garden and Cala were very helpful with all of that.

“There have been loads of other nice touches from Cala along the way. The team on site have gone above and beyond to help us transition into our new home.”

John has two sons who have also been enjoying their new home. Rhys, 21 works at the local pub, The Malt and Hops when he’s home from university and Bryn, 17, has been making full use of Leith’s transport routes to school and the city centre.

The family of three have been making the most of having Leith’s vibrant food and drink scene on their doorstep too – regularly visiting the range of local bars, cafes and restaurants.

John added: “I’m surrounded by options which makes daily life so much better. As well as great food spots like Café Domenico’s and everything Leith Shore has to offer, I’ve become a keen local of The Malt and Hops which has great music during the Leith Jazz and Blues Festival.

“It is a great feeling to be part of such a thriving, vibrant community.”

Ranging from £305,000 — £540,000, there are still a host of different home types available at Cala’s Waterfront Plaza development for homebuyers seeking both life by the water and the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Ranging from stylishly designed two and three-bedroom apartments to penthouses and spacious townhouses, Waterfront Plaza has a number of options available for homebuyers seeking a capital life in Leith.

To watch John talk about his new townhouse, click here.

To watch John talk about life at Waterfront Plaza, click here.

For more information on Waterfront Plaza please visit: 

https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/waterfront-plaza-leith/

Newington Residences launch to market this weekend

A selection of four-bedroom townhouses and a three bedroom mews home available in first release at Royal Blind School site

THE FIRST release of homes at the anticipated redevelopment of Edinburgh’s former Royal Blind School and Braille Press will launch to market this weekend (26th of February).

Launching from its existing Cammo Meadows development, Cala Homes (East) has confirmed that the first release of four bedroom townhouses along with a three bedroom mews home – will be available for interested buyers, with prices ranging from £810,000 to £849,995.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s popular Newington area, Newington Residences by Cala Homes (East) will comprise a modern reimagining of the striking original school building into 21 apartments and a further mix of new build townhouses.

Regarded as one of south Edinburgh’s best-known buildings, the original school building dates back to 1874 and has been left vacant since 2014 after pupils were relocated to a new facility.

Cala will take it back to its former glory – removing extensions and outbuildings to revitalise its surrounds.

Building on the success of its award-winning conversion of the nearby former Boroughmuir High School, the developer will refurbish the historic main building into a selection of 21 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with selection of new build townhouses a mews home and the fully refurbished gate house also featuring within the school’s attractive landscaped grounds.

Philip Hogg, Sales Director for CALA Homes (East), said: “This is a really exciting development for us, in one of Edinburgh’s most desirable postcodes.

“There’ll be a great mix of homes likely to appeal to a broad range of discerning buyers looking for high specification finishes and a tranquil location within easy reach of the city centre and the amenities Edinburgh has to offer.

“We believe the attractive renovation at the heart will give the development real character and charm, while preserving a historic local landmark.”

The development, within the Craigmillar Park conservation area has been carefully designed to respect the surrounding area, with new build homes boasting beautiful sandstone detail in keeping with local architecture and facades of the main building.

Townhouses will range from 1600 to more than 2700 square feet, with a mix of semi-detached and terraced properties.

Sporting ceiling heights of up to 3.4 metres and many with views of Edinburgh castle and the city skyline, the apartments will see the creation of modern open-plan homes, maximising the features of the existing building, whilst delivering contemporary design, high specification and convenience with the addition of lift access to upper floors.

The first buyers are planned to move in from summer 2022, with show homes launching in April.

For more information on Newington Residences – and to register your interest – visit: 

https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/newington-residences-edinburgh/

Plant expert shares ultimate green guide for creating a home jungle

GREEN FINGERED homeowners and tenants can now access the ultimate guide on how to bring the outdoors into their home thanks to an Edinburgh based plant expert.

In celebration of International Houseplant Appreciation Day on January 10th, homebuilder CALA Homes (East) has partnered with plant expert, Andrew Forbes of GREEN.MEADOWS Edinburgh, to create a carefully curated series of videos and blogs to help newbies and plant pros alike elevate their spaces with greenery.

Covering a variety of topics, from how to match plants to your home’s individual décor, to the best plants for beginners, to the best balcony plants for microclimates across the UK, the new resource provides informative care tips and stylistic inspiration for both interior and exterior areas of the home. 

Andrew said: “Houseplants have really boomed throughout the pandemic and can be an amazing way to upgrade your spaces. However, lots of people don’t really know where to begin, or how to take their greenery to the next level.

“One of my favourite things about my job is helping people find the right plants for them, and I am hoping the range of resources we’ve pulled together will help a wide variety of people plant style their homes and care for their plants in a way that will help them thrive.

“Part of the project is a short video series where I was lucky enough to take a visit down to a state-of-the-art CALA show apartment at Waterfront Plaza in Leith, to style it with my own selection of plants. It was wonderful to see how they really transformed the space.

“I’m hoping this new guide will provide some inspiration and help homeowners get their interior and balcony spaces blooming.”

The guide includes easy to keep plants such as the Zamioculcas zamiifolia Raven (ZZ plant) and Monstera Deliciosa with useful tips on how to avoid overwatering and the best places to keep plants based on light and humidity around the home, with an accompanying video of Andrew plant styling a CALA apartment for to give viewers inspiration.

CALA Homes sponsorship boost for new inclusive Ratho United

A NEWLY founded football club that is bringing the joy of the sport to a part of Edinburgh has been boosted with sponsorship of a popular age group by CALA Homes (East).

Ratho United – which emerged in early 2020 to give local children an opportunity to train and play with their friends – was founded on an ethos of inclusivity, welcoming around 100 children from throughout the local area, with mixed boys and girls teams.

The CALA Homes logo will adorn the strip of its 2014 teams, which consists of six and seven-year-old boys and girls, training once a week and playing friendly matches, ahead of their first tournament in August. 

Mikey Stewart, volunteer coach and committee member, said: “Given how young the club is, having CALA’s backing is a major boost.

“We have a great mix of youngsters, from the new homes here as well as the old – with some members joining from further afield because of the welcoming nature of our club.

“We’re reliant on the support of sponsors – the big next step for us is a more permanent home – as we’re currently moving between various locations.”

Craig Lynes, Managing Director with CALA Homes (East), said: “While we sold our last home in Ratho two years ago, we recognise that our homes have left a big impression on the village.

“It’s really important to us that we get behind groups like Ratho United as their contribution to the community is invaluable. Their ethos of inclusivity is something that we’re delighted to support.”

CALA has played an important role in Ratho’s recent development, selling the final homes at its Craigpark development in 2019.

Prior to this it completed two further developments, The Moorings and The Glebe, while it even created a canal basin with berths for 14 barges, handed over to Scottish Canals.

Ratho United is a community football club for boys and girls aged between five and 10, with a clear vision to promote and develop health in fitness in children.

It also promotes sportsmanship, fair play, respect and self-discipline as well as the wider community spirit and development of friendships.

For more information on Ratho United, please visit: https://www.rathounited.club/

The Crescent: Multi-level living offers spectacular Edinburgh home with zero hassle

BUYERS looking for an ‘uncompromising’ three bedroom home in the city are being urged to visit the dream duplexes available at The Crescent – CALA Homes’ most award winning development.

Spanning more than 2000sq ft, more than twice the size of an average home in the UK, the popular style of split-level home is nestled in the Richard Murphy OBE-designed development, within the vast Donaldson’s Estate, a stone’s throw from Haymarket and Edinburgh’s city centre.

Spanning two floors, the home’s centrepiece is a one-and-a-half height fully glazed flexible living space, allowing for impressive immediate panoramas of the iconic Playfair building and beyond, with full height sliding doors which effortlessly fold back to allow the outside in.

A studio-designed high specification kitchen and dining space overlook a more private family or relaxing area, with a separate utility providing added practicality.

Its rare split-level dynamic design also allows for a craftily tucked away “crows’ nest” study, distinct but not detached from the expansive living space, with an abundance of storage beneath and breathtaking views.

Three en-suite double bedrooms feature on the private lower floor, while the cosy rear of the home features a separate large terrace, overlooking the treeline of the Water of Leith walkway, offering a private and peaceful space to relax. 

Buyers also benefit from all the perks of living at The Crescent; a central location, secure parking with EV charging provision, an 18-acre maintained garden and additional security systems.

Phillip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director with CALA Homes (East), said: “Those on the hunt for their next move have been looking for the following key priorities: plenty of modern living space, a private outdoor space, and a home office, all of which are included in this home.

“Another thing which creates a true feature here is the vast greenery of the estate and the spectacular views. The Crescent is blessed by its location, embracing the original Playfair building and offering views across the 18 acre estate, the Pentlands and beyond.

“A duplex showhome and virtual guided tours service are available for buyers to see this multi-level design for themselves and secure this one of a kind home within the capital.

“The final phase, The East Wing, is home to the final Duplexes at The Crescent, including plot 54, which is available for £1,480,000 and can be viewed daily by appointment alongside the showhomes.”

For more information or to arrange an appointment, please visit: 

www.cala.co.uk/thecrescent or call 0131 341 2667.