Tag: housing

Leith Fort housing in the running for three awards

An ambitious 94 affordable homes project, which is creating a new community at Edinburgh’s Leith Fort, has been shortlisted for a trio of awards.

The £11.5 million housing development which is co-owned by Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) and the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) is in the running for the forthcoming RICS, RIAS and Homes for Scotland awards which will take place later this year.

The homes are built on the former 18th century Leith Fort site and welcomed residents last year.

Sixty two of the colony style properties are owned by PoLHA for mid-market rent, with 32 units owned by the City of Edinburgh Council for social rent.

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of Port of Leith Housing Association, said:“We’re thrilled to have helped to restore this area to its former glory and to have created a neighbourhood where people want to live and to set down their roots.

“We are very proud of this successful modern interpretation of the Edinburgh colonies which has brought much needed high quality, affordable housing for families in Leith and North Edinburgh. We’re delighted it has been shortlisted for three industry awards, providing great recognition for us and our partners.”

The new properties have been modelled on the Edinburgh colonies concept and are a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes. A feature of this development is that all homes have access to private south west facing gardens.

The main contractor was CCG (Scotland) Ltd and the development was funded by PoLHA, the City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Government.

Cllr Kate Campbell, Housing and Economy Convener, said: “The Council and Port of Leith set out to deliver modern, affordable homes on the historic Leith Fort site but the development has created so much more than housing.

“It has community spirit right at its heart and it is great to see so many award nominations coming in. Our aim is to deliver 20,000 affordable and low cost homes in the next decade bringing prosperity to every person in every neighbourhood.”

Nicola McLachlan, Project Architect, Collective Architecture, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Port of Leith Housing Association, The City of Edinburgh Council and the local residents within Leith.  The project heralds an exciting time in Leith’s rich history and plays an important role in stitching the Fort back into the community – both physically and socially – and encourages positive interaction between neighbours.

“It is wonderful to see that the residents are already making their own mark within the community and flourishing within their new homes.

“I am delighted to see how well the restrained palette of materials and careful detailing sits calmly within its context.  Everyone involved with the project has worked collaboratively with the client group to ensure these homes stand the test of time; their skills and experience shine through within the project.”

Government extends Help to Buy scheme

The Help to Buy (Scotland) scheme will be extended beyond 2019, helping more people purchase a new-build home without the need for a large deposit. From April 2019, a further £100 million will be invested over two years, helping up to 4,000 households to purchase a new home. Continue reading Government extends Help to Buy scheme

Council unveils Fountainbridge development plans

A former brewery complex in Fountainbridge is to be developed by the city council. The council says the project will deliver a vibrant city quarter including over 400 new homes, as well as quality office space which will promote innovation and a small element of retail. Work to prepare the site is set to commence early next year, with the site expected to be fully developed by 2025.

Continue reading Council unveils Fountainbridge development plans

North Edinburgh’s good neighbours commended at awards ceremony

North Edinburgh trio go the extra mile to support their neighbours

Neighbours who go that extra mile have been thanked at the City of Edinburgh Council’s second Good Neighbour Awards for their commitment to making the lives of their neighbours better and improving their local community.  Continue reading North Edinburgh’s good neighbours commended at awards ceremony

Self Defense(?) in West Pilton

Living Rent Edinburgh

Come along and learn how we help our members fight to get their problems taken care of. People often think that nothing can be done about the often terrible conditions they find themselves in, we want to help people realize they can. By taking matters into their own hands and collectively organizing, we can make changes happen. This workshop is a place to practice doing just that.

Today 2 – 5pm at PCA Office on Ferry Road Drive

Branching Out: transatlantic taskforce seeks timber design solutions

Students from Edinburgh Napier have teamed up with colleagues from America’s elite Harvard University to explore the challenge of creating the sustainable communities of the future. The two groups joined forces for a learning week which focused on the use of pre-manufactured timber construction systems. Continue reading Branching Out: transatlantic taskforce seeks timber design solutions

Government backs action plan to end rough sleeping

New recommendations to ensure the commitment to eradicate rough sleeping is met have been set out by the Scottish Government’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group. The recommendations have all been accepted in principle by the Scottish Government, and build on the group’s earlier advice to tackle rough sleeping over the winter period.

The measures include a national system of rapid rehousing, involving integrated support from frontline outreach services and local authorities. This will include moving to a ‘Housing First’ model for those with most complex needs – where people move straight into a permanent, settled home rather than temporary accommodation.

In December, £328,000 was invested to support additional capacity for night shelters and extra staff to help get more people into accommodation over winter. The Scottish Government will now provide a further £150,000 to continue to provide some services to the summer, while the latest recommendations are taken forward.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “As we come out of a particularly bad winter period, the action group’s work so far has been vital in ensuring front-line staff are supported  and that people are helped to move into safe and warm places to stay. Additional funding will allow the work that has taken place in our main cities to continue while we take the group’s hard work forward.   

“I was extremely impressed by the fast and effective work of organisations supporting those sleeping rough during last week’s unprecedented and extreme winter weather and want to thank everyone involved for the work and commitment they have shown. It is now important that we build on this good work and these latest recommendations provide a blueprint to do that and reach our national priority to eradicate rough sleeping for good.

“The group’s recommendations focus on improving advice and support for those sleeping rough, and ensuring that housing, funding and services are directed at those who need them most.

“They will play a vital role in meeting our commitment to end homelessness and transform temporary accommodation, backed by our £50 million fund – which is why we have accepted them all in principle, and will now work closely with partners to implement.”

Action group chair and chief executive of Crisis UK, Jon Sparkes said: “Nobody in Scotland should have to endure the danger and indignity of sleeping rough, and these recommendations show what is needed to prevent people from being forced to live on the streets.

These include providing immediate access to permanent housing for people who are sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness, such as people leaving a state institution, such as care or prison, and giving frontline staff the power to make informed decisions based on the needs of each individual.

“The members of the action group have gone above and beyond to dedicate themselves to bringing forward the right recommendations that will have the biggest impact on the way people sleeping rough can access and receive services. The group members have engaged colleagues across the sector, reviewed  international evidence on what works, and listened to people from across the country who have experience of homelessness.

“We can end rough sleeping in Scotland. Other countries and cities around the world have done it, so we know it’s possible. With the right political will and momentum, we can make this a reality in Scotland too.”

The full recommendations of the group are available online.

Affordable housing: meeting the challenges that lie ahead

The housing sector and government will continue to work together to safeguard against the uncertainties created by Brexit and ensure affordable housing is available to all who need it, Communites Secretary Angela Constance will tell a conference today.

In a speech to the Chartered Institute of Housing Conference, Communities Secretary Angela Constance will reflect on a ‘decade of success’ on housing and regeneration, set out the challenges that lie ahead and how government and the housing sector might work together to respond.

The Cabinet Secretary will highlight:

  • The need to take action to address an ageing population, and ensuring more suitable housing and services to help individuals continue to live independently and at home
  • Tackling the damaging effects of UK Government’s welfare cuts, and meeting the challenge of combating child poverty
  • Safeguarding against the impact of Brexit, which could see a loss of 8.5% of GDP in Scotland by 2030 and threaten 5,000 EU citizens working in the construction sector

Speaking ahead of the conference Ms Constance said: “High quality affordable housing is about more than just bricks and mortar – it provides safe, warm homes, helps create a fairer Scotland, and delivers great economic benefits. As we look to the challenges that lie ahead, that will become ever more important.  

“The UK Government’s approach to Brexit threatens jobs, prosperity, and workers. Welfare cuts are plunging more people into poverty. And an ageing population presents big questions in how we support independent living and increase a flexible housing supply.

“Against that backdrop we are taking firm action. Since 2007 we have delivered almost 71,000 affordable homes and committed to delivering at least 50,000 over this Parliament, and we are spending £100 million a year protecting people from the worst impacts of the UK Government’s welfare cuts – cuts that threaten to push more children into poverty. But there is more we can and must do.

“We have given Councils long term planning assumptions totaling £1.75 billion to March 2021 – providing the guarantee needed to deliver our ambitions. As we look to beyond 2021, I want to begin engagement with the housing sector on the best ways to deliver affordable homes that meet the needs of our changing population. We will build on the great work already done as we take new and innovative approaches to ensure another decade of success.”

More Homes Scotland is the overarching approach to bring together all activity to increase supply

During her speech, Communities Secretary Angela Constance will set out a priority for everyone in Scotland to live in a high quality, sustainable home, which is affordable and meets their needs. Ms Constance will reiterate the importance of the four housing and regeneration outcomes and suggest how these might underpin the government’s approach:

  • A well-functioning housing system, where homes are first and foremost for living in, rather than for storing up wealth.
  • New and existing homes reaching high quality and sustainability standards, with all householders benefiting from the same high standards of accommodation and consumer protection.
  • Homes that meet people’s needs, with the housing market becoming more flexible to allow people to meet their changing needs, including new housing for older people.
  • Sustainable communities grow and develop, with people able to afford to stay in the communities they grew up in, if that is what they want.

 

 

Port of Leith to build 500 local homes over next five years

Port of Leith Housing Association on track to build 846 homes by 2023

 Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) is on course to create 500 homes in Leith and North Edinburgh by 2020 and a total of 846 homes over the next five years thanks to an investment of £110 million. Continue reading Port of Leith to build 500 local homes over next five years