Tag: CALA Homes

Cala-funded temporary bus route to launch as Old Craighall Road closes

Alternate bus service aids Lothian locals ahead of short-term road closure

A TEMPORARY bus service will begin next week (September 4) ahead of a planned 12-week road closure. 

Old Craighall Road will undergo reconstruction as part of developer Cala Homes’ new 620-home site on land at Newton and Wellington Farms, located between Old Craighall and Millerhill.

Bus operator, Prentice of Haddington, will run a temporary service for locals living in Old Craighall, Millerhill, Newton Village and Danderhall for the duration of the road closure.

This alternative route will be service number 151, running from Millerhill to Musselburgh – providing a link for road users to the Musselburgh and Fort Kinnaird during this period.

The Lothian Bus service 33 will connect Millerhill, Danderhall and the Royal Infirmary.

Cala Homes has funded the temporary service to ensure connectivity for all those affected by the road closure.


Derek Lawson, Strategic Land Director with Cala Homes (East), said: “We recognise the need for locals to be connected to public transport during this maintenance period. 

“We have collaborated with Prentice of Haddington to ensure these needs are met for the local communities most impacted by the temporary closure.”

A Spokesperson from Prentice of Haddington, said: “We hope our temporary service will provide commuters with reassurance and peace of mind over the next 12 weeks. Details can be found on our website on how the temporary road closure may affect you.”

Old Craighall Road is to be upgraded by Cala with the introduction of a new road and footways, lighting, drainage, and pedestrian crossings, making the route safer for families and road users.

A local footpath diversion will be in place to ensure connectivity between Millerhill and Old Craighall is maintained.

Information and updates will be available on Cala’s website. 

Scotland property: Average Edinburgh worker needs almost 5 years to save up for a deposit for an average home

A new study by Cala Homes looked at the median weekly salary in over 130 UK towns and cities and worked out how long it would take a single person to save for a 10% deposit for the median house price in the same area. The data was based on a person saving just 10% of their salary, to account for bills, rising costs and other outgoings.

The research revealed that the residents in Scotland are in a far better position than the rest of the UK when it comes to achieving the first step to getting on the property ladder. Overall, saving for a house deposit in the UK takes 13 years, while the average saving time in Scotland was found to be just 4 years and 245 days.

The study found that out of the Scottish locations analysed, Aberdeen offered the shortest time, 2 years and 182 days, to save for a 10% deposit of the median detached house price of £79,720.

The next one on the list is the wider county of Aberdeenshire, where a single resident saving 10% of the median weekly salary of £640 for the area, would need 3 years and 36 days to save up for a 10% deposit of the median detached property price of £102,060. This would mean just over 1 and a half years for a couple saving.

And in third, East Renfrewshire, with a very respectable weekly median salary of £800, it would take someone just under 4 years to save 10% of their salary to get the deposit needed for the £166,020 median house price in this area.

Deposit saving times in each Scottish location

RankLocal authority nameMedian detached house price (Sep 2022)Median Weekly PayYear to save for 10% deposit
1Aberdeen£79,720£621.302.47
2Aberdeenshire£102,060£639.903.07
3East Renfrewshire£166,020£799.703.99
4East Dunbartonshire£157,290£739.904.09
5Angus£130,140£603.804.14
6South Ayrshire£140,330£641.104.21
7North Ayrshire£140,620£618.504.37
8Highland£143,450£630.204.38
9Inverclyde£141,380£621.104.38
10South Lanarkshire£148,060£635.204.48
11Perth and Kinross£151,880£648.604.50
12Scottish Borders£141,180£587.604.62
13Renfrewshire£156,860£631.204.78
14Dundee£141,260£566.004.80
15Clackmannanshire£161,230£644.104.81
16Edinburgh£163,920£646.504.88
17North Lanarkshire£160,550£630.804.89
18Fife£153,480£594.404.97
19Stirling£161,650£618.105.03
20West Dunbartonshire£154,990£592.605.03
21East Ayrshire£159,270£607.705.04
22East Lothian£167,410£632.105.09
23Moray£143,890£541.605.11
24Falkirk£162,340£605.605.16
25West Lothian£167,180£616.805.21
26Midlothian£168,220£615.605.26
27Dumfries and Galloway£150,990£538.905.39
28Argyll and Bute£157,110£546.305.53
29Glasgow£183,270£616.805.71

Scotland’s highest median detached house price is in its biggest city – Glasgow, at £183,270. But, even there, where it would take 5 years and 259 days for a single person to save for a 10% deposit, it has nothing on locations in England such as London, where on average it would take a single person 37 years and 182 days to save 10% of the median detached house prices.

The figures from the study only represent how long it would take a single person to save for the full 10% deposit, based on saving 10% of the median salary, so those that are buying with someone else could cut this figure in half and there are schemes available that can also help reduce this time.

.Glenn Copper, Sales & Marketing Director for Cala Homes (North Home Counties) said: “Against the backdrop of a housing and cost of living crisis, some schemes such as Deposit Unlock could offer more people an opportunity to own a new home by giving them access to low-deposit mortgages.

“It could also help buyers to significantly reduce the time it takes to save for a new home, and it isn’t just for first-time buyers, the scheme is open to home movers and those looking to return to the market following separation or divorce.

“If you are currently paying money towards your rent and you would prefer to pay this towards buying a new home, then it could be worth exploring what Deposit Unlock could do to make buying a new home more affordable for you.”

You can view the whole study here: https://www.cala.co.uk/about-cala/cala-news-lifestyle/blogs/2023/jun/26/the-quickest-and-slowest-places-to-save-for-a-house-deposit-in-the-uk/

Work to start on 980 home Queensferry development

CONSTRUCTION work is set to begin at a prime Cala Homes project that will see 980 homes delivered to South Queensferry.

After 10 years in the planning, the first spade will hit the ground at Cala Homes Builyeon Road development next week. The site, which is located south of Builyeon Road, lies between the Queensferry Crossing and Forth Road Bridge approaches.

The 44-hectare development has provision for a new primary school, a care home and commercial units including a food store, restaurants and fuel filling station, as well as 980 high-quality homes.

Bulk earth works are expected to be complete by the end of this year, with drainage and infrastructure works for the main spine road – a realignment of Builyeon Road – forecast to be completed next March.

Total section 75 (planning gain) contributions by Cala for the Builyeon Road site will exceed £11 million, which in addition to the delivery of a new primary school and local transportation improvements, sees significant contributions put towards other education provision and healthcare within Queensferry. Cala’s nearby Queensferry Heights development will see a further £2.5 million raised through Section 75 payments.

Derek Lawson, Strategic Land Director with Cala Homes (East), said: “The site designs for Builyeon Road has been heavily shaped by engagement with the local community and as we prepare to kick-start this important development, we will focus on keeping the community fully informed of ongoing progress.

“We have set up a dedicated website to share updates on site progress, at www.cala.co.uk/builyeonroad

“It is fair to say this project has been a long time in the making and we are pleased to reach this important milestone and to push forward in providing much needed homes and community facilities for South Queensferry.”

Family-owned civil engineering contractor I&H Brown specialises in residential infrastructure and have been contracted by Cala to undertake the bulk earthworks. The site will be enrolled in the Considerate Constructors scheme and I&H Brown will be keen to hear about any local community benefit schemes in the area while work is underway.

Duncan Brown, Director with I&H Brown, said: “We are delighted to be working with Cala Homes to deliver the infrastructure at their major Builyeon Road development in South Queensferry.

“Our involvement follows extensive community engagement by Cala Homes to design the masterplan and we are excited to help them realise their vision for the site.’

The development designs were carefully crafted with local community in mind following online consultations and engagement with the local community – guided by the Queensferry District Community Council (QDCC).

Keith Giblett, Chair of Queensferry and District Community Council, said: “After many years of uncertainty, it is great to see the site work starting. We’ll be continuing our intensive engagement with Cala.

“We also look forward to finding out how the local authority will allocate the considerable funds that this site will generate through planning gain payments.”

Derek Lawson added: “This is a major project in a prime location that will provide the market with incredible options for those looking to enjoy life in South Queensferry.

“It’s also exciting to be a massive step closer to bringing local amenities to the area in the form of the new commercial area, school and care home.”

For more information on Builyeon Road, please visit:

https://www.cala.co.uk/builyeonroad

Top of the class for Boroughmuir apartments

A RESTORED Edinburgh landmark has landed its latest happy buyers, a couple who have snapped up a two-bedroom, ground floor apartment.

First time buyers Mark Love and Leon Macmillan had been renting for five years in Quartermile before they set out to find a home in their favourite area of Edinburgh, Bruntsfield.

After hearing about the transformation of the former Boroughmuir High School from a colleague, the couple found their dream home in a south-facing apartment with a main door access from the landscaped courtyard.

Mark, a product development director, said: “I’m originally from Glasgow and Leon grew up in Leith, and in 2015 we agreed we’d rent for a little while and wait for something to come on the market that we both liked.

“Nothing had really come up that we loved but as soon as we saw Boroughmuir, there was no doubt in our minds that we’d go for it. We spend a lot of time in Bruntsfield at the weekends, but we never really passed the old Boroughmuir High School so we didn’t know it was being converted into apartments.

“We had originally wanted a one-bedroom apartment but through discussion and seeing the homes in the flesh, we realised this is going to be our home for some time so we decided to go for a two-bedroom apartment.

“We had this affinity with Bruntsfield and had always said we didn’t want a fixer-upper, we’d prefer newbuilds or newly renovated homes so this ticked a huge box for us. It’s this amazing grand building in the heart of Bruntsfield – a pristine new home with a historic building around it, it’s really the best of both worlds.”

Mark and Leon chose a ground floor apartment with four large windows looking out from the front of the building, with a second bedroom that many residents have converted into home offices, overlooking the resident’s courtyard.

The couple has praised the team at CALA for their consistent communication while buying a home during a pandemic.

Mark added: “They say buying a home is one of the most stressful things you can do but to be honest it was amazingly stress-free. We can’t fault CALA at all, they were great from the outset.

“I think that’s probably what made it a lot easier, the constant communication from the Sales Consultants, they kept in touch about deadlines and guided us through the process. There was never a need to chase them, we were kept fully informed throughout.”

Nestled in the heart of Bruntsfield, Boroughmuir is a collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments. Most of the homes have elevated ceiling heights, with some up to seven metres, innovative mezzanine levels and carefully retained original features. .  

Boroughmuir is regarded as one of the Scottish capital’s most prized school buildings, constructed pre-WWI between 1911 and 1914. The Grade B-listed building is the innovative creation of renowned architect John Alexander Carfrae and was notably one of the first in Edinburgh to utilise a steel frame for architecture.

The development’s location in Bruntsfield means it is surrounded by plenty of bars, restaurants, and independent shops, and only a short distance from Haymarket and the greenery of The Meadows.

Each of the apartments comes with lift access, allocated parking with access to electric vehicle charging points, access to a private residents’ courtyard and a ten year NHBC warranty.

For further information on Boroughmuir, or to book an appointment for a tour of the show apartment, please visit: 

https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/east-of-scotland/boroughmuir/

Cramond P7s to design dream bedroom for new showhome

CREATIVE pupils at Cramond Primary school are being given the opportunity to see their dream bedroom become a reality, thanks to a project with a major housebuilder.

Eileen Kesson, interior designer at Envision, is partnering with Cramond Primary for a design competition which will see children in P7 create their ultimate bedroom, complete with a budget, their choice of materials, and a floorplan.

Eileen, a renowned designer with more than 20 years’ experience, will give the children a full overview and brief today, with a moodboard to be created and presented later in the month.

Coordinated by CALA Homes, Eileen and Principal Teacher at Cramond Primary School, Yasmeen Naeem, the winning project will form the design for a bedroom at the new showhome at CALA’s Cammo Meadows.

Yasmeen Naeem said: “This is a fantastic experience for our pupils to enhance their design and artistic skills – the children are all already very excited for their presentation from Eileen and can’t wait to get started.

“Not only is it an excellent project for bringing out some creative ideas, having a proper project with a timescale and budget is hugely beneficial and gives pupils a flavour of real-life work.

“We’re sure this will be one of our most popular projects – it’s something different and engaging, making it ideal for remote learning.”

The lucky winner will get to visit their real-life dream bedroom at the showhome, located minutes from Cramond Primary, later this year when the showhome has been designed and furnished.

Eileen Kesson said: “I’ll be setting out a real-life scenario and portrait of a family for the pupils to use to create their ideal bedroom.

“With many children learning from home, it’s important that their bedrooms are their own, separate space with areas to play, learn and sleep so I’m looking forward to seeing what the pupils come up with.”

This is the second bedroom design competition of its kind that CALA has organised, the first being with West Barns Primary School in Dunbar in 2018, where P6 and P7 students designed a bedroom in a showhome at its nearby Castle Bay development.

Cammo Meadows is the housebuilder’s latest development of detached family homes in Edinburgh. The first phase of the development includes a collection of five-bedroom detached homes, with terraced homes and apartments to be built in later phases.

Neighbouring the Cammo Estate, the development is located minutes from Cramond Primary School and is surrounded by 23 acres of green outdoor space, a wildflower meadow, and new woodland to be created as part of the build.

Built in 1975, Cramond Primary School is a non-denominational school which serves Cramond and the surrounding areas of northwest Edinburgh. The school has more than 400 pupils, and is part of the Royal High School cluster.

For more information on Cammo Meadows, please visit: 

https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/cammo-meadows/

Green space a ‘soaring priority’ at Leith waterfront development

CALA Homes has released visuals showing plans for a series of raised gardens that will offer residents at a thriving Leith development a rare urban feature.

The new communal gardens at Waterfront Plaza by CALA Homes (East) will span approximately 2500 square metres and serve to deliver attractive and sought-after green spaces for residents, something not often offered by urban developments.

Carefully designed and created, these raised gardens total an area of 10 tennis courts, feature generous amounts of seating and a bright southerly aspect and will be finished with artificial grass, paving and attractive planters above, while shielding parking for up to 74 cars below.

Created for recreational use by all residents of the development, the innovative design is the work of Edinburgh-based landscape architecture firm OPEN.

Work is already well underway on the gardens, as well as on an open landscaped walkway connecting directly to key walking and cycling routes. The first section of the gardens is scheduled to open to residents from spring this year.

Alastair Haigh, Associate with OPEN, said: “These gardens are a special element within this site – located above street level they will provide unique spaces for those that are lucky enough to live here.

“Green space is really coveted at the moment, so to be able to provide landscaped gardens that provide this and enhance the views from apartments by covering parking is a fantastic use of the space.”

Designed with contemporary urban living in mind, the gardens will mirror the raised terraces of the development’s townhouses and provide ample green space – unusual for a city development of its kind. The expanse of breathable, outdoor space corresponds with apartment interiors which offer uncluttered, open plan living.

Further landscaped walkways and private gardens serve to create a green, accessible and attractive site, connecting key parts of Leith while transforming formerly disused industrial land.

Phillip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director for CALA Homes East said: “This new green space was designed with buyers at all stages of life in mind. Our Waterfront Plaza properties cater to a range of potential buyers, so we felt our outdoor space should too, while allowing them to connect easily with the wider area, whether walking or cycling.

“With the large increase in people working from home over the last year, we’re delighted to be able to offer apartments with views and an accessible green space, perfect for short lunch breaks. The secure keypad entry system also makes it an ideal area for relaxing or play.”

As well as cycle and walking routes, the development also benefits excellent transport connections to the surrounding area and city of Edinburgh itself – and is even directly adjacent to the route of the tram extension.

The 2.9-mile tram extension will be in place by 2023, offering effortless journeys across the city (if all goes to plan – Ed.). The extended line will travel from the airport, through Edinburgh down to Leith and Newhaven.

Launched in summer 2019, Waterfront Plaza is CALA’s latest brownfield regeneration project. After the sell-out success of the first release colony apartments, Waterfront Plaza currently features 2 & 3 bedroom apartments & 4 bedroom townhouses ranging from £295,000 to £520,000.

For more information please visit: https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/waterfront-plaza-leith or call 0131 516 6832.

CALA launches activity pack to keep kids busy at home

Housebuilder CALA Homes has created a free activity pack to help parents keep children entertained at home.  Downloadable from the CALA website, it includes a whole host of fun activities and creative projects to help kids uncover some hidden secrets about where they live.

Tasks include researching the history of their home, looking at the different property styles on their road, identifying the materials their home is made up of and discovering the variety of wildlife that share their outdoor space.

There are also some creative project ideas, from designing a bedroom of the future to writing a poem or short story on what home means to them.  There’s even a quick quiz to see if children can name the residents of some famous addresses from Buckingham Palace to Bikini Bottom.

Philip Hogg, regional sales and marketing director for CALA Homes East, said: “Many of us are facing the same challenge of keeping our children entertained and stimulated as we all stay at home.  The Your Home Activity Pack is full of ideas to keep them occupied and help them discover more about the place they call home.”

“We’ve designed the pack to cover a variety of different activities so there should be something to suit a range of interests and age groups. We’re asking people to share their completed projects with us and we can’t wait to see their creative ideas!”

CALA’s Your Home Activity Pack can be downloaded by visiting www.cala.co.uk/activitypack

Ultimate One-bedroom City Apartment Hits the Market

AN EXCLUSIVE one-bedroom apartment has been released for sale at the capital’s most sought-after new development.

CALA Homes (East) has seen huge demand for properties at The Crescent at Donaldson’s, now releasing the final available homes in the west wing – including the ultimate pied-a-terre, 3/16 Donaldson Crescent.

On the market for £680,000, the elegant spilt-level first floor apartment enjoys a prime position in the development and boasts a generous master bedroom with an en suite and a walk-in wardrobe space.

The one bedroom apartment’s sweeping glass frontage stretches from the kitchen through to the dining and living space providing near uninterrupted views towards Edinburgh’s sublime skyline.

A unique feature of the property is the mezzanine office space which provides impeccable views of the iconic Donaldson’s estate.

What makes living at The Crescent truly unique within central Edinburgh, however, is the tranquil setting within the 18-acre Donaldson’s estate – the capital’s largest communal garden.

Philip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director with CALA Homes (East), said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to set up home in one of Edinburgh’s most desirable locations.

“The one-bedroom apartment offers everything you could need for contemporary city living and more, being so closely situated to all of the attractions, landmarks, restaurants and bars in the capital.

“This elegant split-level apartment showcases the magnificent design and architecture displayed throughout this development, as well as the breath-taking views across the city.

“However, it also enjoys a peacefully secluded location within the Donaldson’s estate, with gardens and grounds on the doorstep and the treelined rear of the development. So you really have the best of both worlds.

“We’d urge those interested to act quickly as there are only two one-bedroom apartments in each wing and so far they have been a huge hit with buyers.”

CALA’s The Crescent has also achieved widespread industry acclaim and has been recognised with multiple awards for the ambitious design, cutting-edge architecture and premium showhomes since launch earlier this year.

With prices ranging from £595,000 to £1,750,000, the properties at The Crescent comprise some of the most prestigious new builds currently on offer in Edinburgh.

Designed by renowned architect, Richard Murphy OBE, the sweeping arc of 84 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, duplexes and penthouses is a modern interpretation of Georgian architecture.

It is home to the most comprehensive electric vehicle charging provision in Scotland, where every apartment has access to a charging point and parking space in the private underground car park, accessible by lift access.

Just one mile west of Princes Street, The Crescent has a variety of amenities on the doorstep with excellent transport links both into and out of the city.

Two show apartments are open daily from 11am to 5.30pm. For more information, please visit: https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/east-of-scotland/the-crescent-at-donaldsons or call 0131 341 2667.

Bake Off star Ruby at showstopper Edinburgh property development

THE LUXURIOUS and state-of-the-art kitchens at CALA’s most exclusive new development have been put to the test by one of Britain’s best loved bakers.

Great British Bake Off finalist, Ruby Bhogal, demonstrated how to achieve her signature lemon and ginger meringue pie at a select event in the suitably grand apartments of The Crescent at Donaldson’s.

Baking for new residents, business leaders, architects, CALA staff, media and influencers, Ruby brought the diverse community together for an evening which celebrated Edinburgh’s showstopping new development.

Ruby has worked as Senior Project Manager in construction in the past and now as an in-demand chef and celebrity, with her arrival in the capital being well received by the gathering of VIP guests.

Ruby said: “I was delighted when I was asked to come to Edinburgh – it’s my very first time here and it has blown me away. It was lovely to bake in the stunning surroundings of The Crescent. You can tell there’s a real sense of community here already.”

After demonstrating her lemon and ginger meringue pie recipe, there was enough time for a Q&A session with Ruby, where guests chatted with her about her newly found fame, her favourite recipes and behind the scenes gossip from her time in the Bake Off tent.

Philip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director with CALA Homes (East), said: “We are always keen to bring people together in our developments to create that sense of community. Having a guest like Ruby here to join us is the icing on the cake, so to speak.

“Since we welcomed our first residents in February, we have heard a lot of great feedback on our kitchens, so we wanted to showcase and celebrate that as best we could.

“We believe that The Crescent truly is unlike any other development in Scotland, showcasing a highly modern interpretation of the finest classical architecture, and in a way that is shaped around offering quality living both inside and out.”

Designed by acclaimed architect Richard Murphy OBE, The Crescent comprises some of Edinburgh’s most sought-after new residences.

Just a mile west of Princes Street, the collection of properties in this 18-acre estate offer buyers an idyllic rural escape whilst still being in the heart of the capital.

The range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, duplexes and penthouses at The Crescent are proving popular with buyers, with a third of the first block already sold.

Two show apartments are available to view daily.

Visit https://www.cala.co.uk/the-crescent or call 0131 516 3018 to arrange a viewing.