Tag: housing

Muirhouse Housing Association celebrates twenty years in North Edinburgh

Muirhouse Housing Association marked an important milestone when they celebrated their twentieth birthday in style at Muirhouse Millennium Centre on Saturday. With loads of fun things to do for the kids and presentations to longest tenants and management committee members, the day was a great success.

Happy birthday MHA – here’s to the next twenty years! 

MHA Chair Roy Douglas with Management Board members
Chair Roy Douglas with oldest tenant – who’s 88!
Brenda Tonner with her MHA staff team
Happy birthday MHA!

 

 

 

 

Letter: Focus needed on ‘mid-market rent’ housing

Dear Editor

I write in response to the survey by Shelter Scotland showing that one in five young couples have delayed starting a family due to not being able to get on the property ladder. The charity says this highlights how the lack of safe, affordable social housing is impacting every level of society.

As the property market continues to struggle, many people who once would have thought about buying simply cannot and are being pushed into renting. A soar in the number of ‘reluctant renters’ has pushed rental prices, already renowned for being very high in Edinburgh, beyond reach of many of the city’s key workers.

With the average rent for a two bedroom property in Edinburgh currently at over £700 per month, and over £900 in the city centre, people on modest incomes working in roles such as nursing, teachers and youth and charity work, would find it very difficult to afford a safe and secure tenancy in a modern and well-equipped home.

This is why, in addition to providing more social housing, there now also needs to be a focus on supporting this group through the recently formed ‘mid-market rent’ model. At Port of Leith Housing Association, of the 500 properties we plan to build in the next three years around half of these will be available for this category.

The need for affordable housing is at its most pressing for a generation. The average wait for a social rented home is now counted in years rather than weeks or months and the problem is growing. To deal with the remaining backlog alone, it would take approximately 20 years. These figures may seem an insurmountable task but they only take into account those who are eligible for social housing. We estimate there are thousands in Edinburgh who would benefit from mid-market rent homes.

Pricing people into dilapidated properties will only, in the long run, likely price them out of cities. It also creates a real disparity and does not encourage vibrant, mixed communities that are essential for the ongoing success and wellbeing of communities.

Keith Anderson

Chief Executive, Port of Leith Housing Association

Constitution Street, Edinburgh

 

 

Letter: Focus needed on 'mid-market rent' housing

Dear Editor

I write in response to the survey by Shelter Scotland showing that one in five young couples have delayed starting a family due to not being able to get on the property ladder. The charity says this highlights how the lack of safe, affordable social housing is impacting every level of society.

As the property market continues to struggle, many people who once would have thought about buying simply cannot and are being pushed into renting. A soar in the number of ‘reluctant renters’ has pushed rental prices, already renowned for being very high in Edinburgh, beyond reach of many of the city’s key workers.

With the average rent for a two bedroom property in Edinburgh currently at over £700 per month, and over £900 in the city centre, people on modest incomes working in roles such as nursing, teachers and youth and charity work, would find it very difficult to afford a safe and secure tenancy in a modern and well-equipped home.

This is why, in addition to providing more social housing, there now also needs to be a focus on supporting this group through the recently formed ‘mid-market rent’ model. At Port of Leith Housing Association, of the 500 properties we plan to build in the next three years around half of these will be available for this category.

The need for affordable housing is at its most pressing for a generation. The average wait for a social rented home is now counted in years rather than weeks or months and the problem is growing. To deal with the remaining backlog alone, it would take approximately 20 years. These figures may seem an insurmountable task but they only take into account those who are eligible for social housing. We estimate there are thousands in Edinburgh who would benefit from mid-market rent homes.

Pricing people into dilapidated properties will only, in the long run, likely price them out of cities. It also creates a real disparity and does not encourage vibrant, mixed communities that are essential for the ongoing success and wellbeing of communities.

Keith Anderson

Chief Executive, Port of Leith Housing Association

Constitution Street, Edinburgh

 

 

Six hundred local households to receive fuel support

A project being delivered by Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) and sustainability charity Changeworks will help 600 households in the North Edinburgh area to be affordably warm at home. The Affordable Warmth Project, funded by ScottishPower until 2015, will support householders to address high energy costs, poor levels of energy efficiency and low income – the three root causes of fuel poverty.

The funds will be used to employ a Money Advice Worker from the Citizens Advice Bureau Edinburgh seconded to PoLHA two days a week to work on the project and an Affordable Warmth Advisor employed by Changeworks for two and a half days a week.

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of PoLHA, said: “This will be a fantastic project and will make a massive difference to the lives of hundreds of our tenants. Fuel poverty is a very serious and damaging issue that can have terrible ramifications for individuals and their families. It’s terrible some people feel they have to choose between basics such as eating and heating but the reality is that this is happening. This project will help people manage their household bills and finances which will relieve this pressure and let them enjoy a happy and warm winter. We are very grateful to both ScottishPower and Changeworks for their support on this project.”

Each year, over the next three years, Changeworks’ Affordable Warmth Advisor will visit 200 tenants in their homes (referred by PoLHA staff) and offer confidential and impartial energy and fuel billing advice. The Money Advice Worker will meet with 160 of these tenants to help with advice on benefits, budgeting and wider debt advice.

Sam Mills, Head of Projects at Changeworks, said: “Almost half of Port of Leith’s tenants struggle in the winter months to afford to heat their homes. With rising energy prices and cold winters there has never been a better time for this Affordable Warmth Project and Changeworks is delighted to be working with Port of Leith Housing Association to support their tenants. Our Affordable Warmth Advisor is happy to visit any tenant struggling with the cost of keeping their home warm and dry or who are worried about their gas and electricity bills. Last year, the vast majority (over 93%) of people we supported were happy with our service and after speaking to us said they understood better how to save money on their energy bills. So please do get in touch.”

For further information call Changeworks on 555 4010 or email ask@changeworks.org.uk 

Work starts on new West Pilton homes

Work has started at West Gait, a 93 home mixed-tenure site in West Pilton. Development and regeneration specialist Places for People has chosen affordable housing expert Lovell to deliver the new houses with a £7.7 million design and build contract. 

The mixed-tenure scheme, situated off the waterfront access road at West Pilton Road, Terrace and Street, is being developed by Places for People. The new housing will complement a previous development by Castle Rock Edinvar that neighbours the new scheme.

Lovell was awarded the project after bidding competitively as one of Places for People’s framework contractors. Construction work started this week and the development is expected to be completed in October next year.

The new housing – a mix of 93 houses and flats – will feature 48 homes for affordable ownership, 15 homes for social rent and 30 mid-market rent homes. The affordable ownership units are a mixture of both shared equity and shared ownership, to provide as many options as possible for people to move in. Mid market rent properties enable those in employment who could not otherwise afford main market rents to access good quality new affordable homes.

The energy-efficient new homes will incorporate high levels of insulation to the external wall fabric and will also include a heat recovery ventilation system. This ventilation system exchanges air extracted from the kitchen and bathrooms for fresh air – achieving good air quality – with heat being recovered in the process.

Councillor Cammy Day, the city council’s housing leader (pictured above) said:  “North Edinburgh’s undergoing a transformation thanks to the effective partnerships that exist between the local community, the council and housing associations such as Castle Rock Edinvar. We are committed to the development of good quality affordable housing, making sure that the city’s people are well housed. The development of this site will deliver 93 homes for rent and ownership which completes an important part of the regeneration of this part of the city.”

Alister Steele, managing director of Castle Rock Edinvar, the Scottish Registered Social Landlord within the Places for People Group, said: “This development is bringing much-needed new affordable homes for Edinburgh, and we are providing a range of tenures which increases the number of options available for people. We will also maintain a long-term interest managing the development once complete. The properties will be sustainable to keep fuel costs down and high standards will ensure residents have new homes to be proud of.”

The scheme will also create new local jobs – Lovell will take on six school or college leavers to work on the project and two apprentices. Lovell regional director Alan Taylor said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen by Places for People to deliver this much-needed new affordable housing development for West Gait. We are committed to delivering a wide-ranging legacy of benefits in the communities where we work and the scheme, as well as delivering high-quality, energy-efficient new homes, will also create important job and training places for local young people.”

Lovell is also currently working with Places for People Developments at Craigs Road, where the company is building a £3.85 million development of 42 apartments.

New housing group for Muirhouse?

Interested in forming a new Muirhouse tenants and residents group? An initial planning meeting will be held in North Edinburgh Arts Centre this Thursday (2 August) at 6pm.

Miller Homes releases Belford Campus at Varcity North

Fancy buying an apartment in your old classroom? Miller Homes has released a new apartment campus at their Varcity North development in Edinburgh.  Belford Campus is the second of five apartment blocks being built on the site of the former Telford College, with its name reflecting that heritage.

Belford Campus is a four storey, L-shaped building, which will offer a range of one and two bedroomed apartments with allocated parking.  Prices start from £123,000 for one bedroom and £167,000 for the two bedroomed apartments.  Reservations are being taken now.

The flexible accommodation offers an exciting prospect for investors buying to let, downsizers, newly singles and couples looking to move closer into the city centre.  With open plan living/dining combined with contemporary kitchen areas, the layout lends itself to living and entertaining in stylish, high quality apartments. Lift access to all upper floors, allocated parking and secure entry systems ensures that Varcity North is at the forefront of apartment living.

Situated between the city centre and the waterfront and with excellent transport links to all areas of Edinburgh and beyond, Varcity North combines stylish city living with spacious, practical and affordable homes.

Anne Marie Britton, Sales Director for Miller Homes Scotland East, said: “We’re delighted to bring the Belford Campus to market to complement the existing properties at Varcity North.  Space, quality and price are the differentiators and this development is becoming the place to live for househunters seeking all three.

“Starting at just £123,000, our competitive prices make owning a contemporary city apartment a reality, enjoying easy access to all that Edinburgh has to offer.  From parks to art galleries, the beach to stunning views across the Firth of Forth and restaurants, bars and bistros second to none, you won’t be short of ideas on what to do from your new capital apartment.”

For more information, go to www.millerhomes.co.uk or call 0800 840 8416. The sales centre is open Thursday to Monday from 11am to 6pm. Househunters can also logon via the Miller Homes’ website to book an appointment with an adviser at the development.

Family plea for return of Elizabeth's bench

Elizabeth Maginnis memorial bench stolen

A bench dedicated to the memory of local councillor Elizabeth Maginnis has been stolen from Elizabeth Maginnis Court in Royston Mains, and the Maginnis family have issued a plea for information that could lead to it’s return.

Dunedin Canmore Housing Association opened the new care home complex in Royston Mains Crescent last November, and the building was named after the late Granton councillor who died in September 2008. The Maginnis family sited the engraved hardwood bench there, where it provided both a quiet and peaceful pspot for residents and visitors and also a place where Maginnis family members could remember a much-loved wife, daughter and mum.

However the bench was stolen last weekend and the family are now desperate for it’s return.

Elizabeth’s husband Michael said: “On Saturday morning Elizabeth’s mother Betty received a call from her friend Ella, who is a resident at Elizabeth Maginnis Court, to say that the bench had gone. She said the bench was definitely there at 10pm on Friday night but it had gone by 8am on Saturday morning”.

He continued: “It’s absolutely awful for the family, deeply upsetting and we’d like to hear from anyone who has any information that could lead to it’s recovery. It’s a unique bench, heavily engraved, and really it’s of no use to anyone other than our family. For us, the bench has been a focus for our family – it was touching when Elizabeth Maginnis Court was named after Elizabeth, but that’s not quite so intimate as having the bench itself. We’re devastated”.

Among the engravings on the bench are the words: ‘In loving memory of Elizabeth Maginnis. A wonderful wife,fantastic mum and great Councilllor’.

There are some indications of how the bench was removed and there are CCTV cameras in the area, but Michael hopes that local people will also come forward with information.

“We are not really interested in who took it or why, we just want the bench back and would be so grateful if local residents would get in touch if they have any information at all. Many local people knew Elizabeth and I think many people will be disgusted with what has happened. If anyone knows anything, however small, please come forward”.

If you have any information that could lead to the recovery of the bench, please telephone Drylaw Police Station on 343 3171, Fettes HQ on 311 3131 or the concierge at Dunedin Canmore on 478 8888. Alternatively you can also call Crimestoppers in complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

Family plea for return of Elizabeth’s bench

Elizabeth Maginnis memorial bench stolen

A bench dedicated to the memory of local councillor Elizabeth Maginnis has been stolen from Elizabeth Maginnis Court in Royston Mains, and the Maginnis family have issued a plea for information that could lead to it’s return.

Dunedin Canmore Housing Association opened the new care home complex in Royston Mains Crescent last November, and the building was named after the late Granton councillor who died in September 2008. The Maginnis family sited the engraved hardwood bench there, where it provided both a quiet and peaceful pspot for residents and visitors and also a place where Maginnis family members could remember a much-loved wife, daughter and mum.

However the bench was stolen last weekend and the family are now desperate for it’s return.

Elizabeth’s husband Michael said: “On Saturday morning Elizabeth’s mother Betty received a call from her friend Ella, who is a resident at Elizabeth Maginnis Court, to say that the bench had gone. She said the bench was definitely there at 10pm on Friday night but it had gone by 8am on Saturday morning”.

He continued: “It’s absolutely awful for the family, deeply upsetting and we’d like to hear from anyone who has any information that could lead to it’s recovery. It’s a unique bench, heavily engraved, and really it’s of no use to anyone other than our family. For us, the bench has been a focus for our family – it was touching when Elizabeth Maginnis Court was named after Elizabeth, but that’s not quite so intimate as having the bench itself. We’re devastated”.

Among the engravings on the bench are the words: ‘In loving memory of Elizabeth Maginnis. A wonderful wife,fantastic mum and great Councilllor’.

There are some indications of how the bench was removed and there are CCTV cameras in the area, but Michael hopes that local people will also come forward with information.

“We are not really interested in who took it or why, we just want the bench back and would be so grateful if local residents would get in touch if they have any information at all. Many local people knew Elizabeth and I think many people will be disgusted with what has happened. If anyone knows anything, however small, please come forward”.

If you have any information that could lead to the recovery of the bench, please telephone Drylaw Police Station on 343 3171, Fettes HQ on 311 3131 or the concierge at Dunedin Canmore on 478 8888. Alternatively you can also call Crimestoppers in complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

Day delighted over housing awards

Housing convener Cammy Day said he was delighted to see that Edinburgh’s housing strategy is receiving recognition following two industry awards last month. Two Council-funded projects by Dunedin Canmore Housing Association picked up top awards last month – a development of new affordable homes and  environmental improvements at homes for older people.

The Council also received praise for the way it deals with the planning aspects of  affordable housing and for two separate schemes that help homeless people with  private rented accommodation. Further recognition was received for Dunedin  Canmore’s Springfield development, which was awarded ‘apartment of the year’ and  had financial backing from the Council.

Forth councillor Cammy Day, the city’s housing leader, said: “I’m really pleased to  see that Edinburgh’s strategy is now starting to receive the recognition it  deserves, and much of the credit should go to the excellent partnership between  Council staff, housing associations and private developers. Affordable housing is a huge priority for us, as we need around 16,000 new  homes over the next 10 years. On average, 130 households bid for every  affordable home that becomes available for let by the Council or a housing  association.”

He went on: “Meanwhile, Edinburgh is still growing and house prices remain high. There is  much to be proud of, as these awards show, but there is still a lot of work to  do. That’s why our ‘contract with the capital’ includes several pledges on  housing, including development on brownfield sites, pressing the Government to  release more funds for rented homes, and bringing empty homes into use.”

In 2011/12 the Council approved 1,500 affordable homes for work to begin on  site, adding to the 1,300 already under construction. Affordable housing  development in Edinburgh will generate £296 million in investment and support  around 2,000 jobs in construction & related industries.

The details of the short-listed and award-winning initiatives are:

Scottish Home Awards

– Dunedin Canmore Housing Association (a key strategic partner of the  Council) won a “Large Affordable Housing Development of the Year” award for its  development of 190 affordable homes at Westfield, Edinburgh. This is the largest  affordable housing project ever supported by the Council. The total development  cost was £22.4m which includes £11m in grant funding and £11.4m in private  finance raised by the housing association.

– Dunedin Canmore received a further Scottish Home award for environmental  excellence at its “Quarries” development in South Edinburgh. This development of  58 homes for older people was developed on a previously contaminated Council  site in a regeneration area. All flats are wheelchair adaptable and designed to  a high building standard and are adaptable to the needs of the tenants. It  features a secure central courtyard garden with private drying areas, raised  allotment planters, exercise equipment, sensory planting, trees, shrubs and a  wildlife pond. The building is designed to be highly energy-efficient which will  enable the heating and power costs for tenants to be kept to a minimum.

– The Council was short listed for a national award for Quality in Planning  for its approach to delivery of affordable housing. The Council’s joined-up and  flexible approach has seen affordable housing become the catalyst for  construction. Developers have been able to secure their planning permissions and  keep their workforce building through the downturn, whilst delivering much-needed affordable homes.

– Springfield Properties won Apartment of the Year award for Brunstane Court.  The Council supported this project through the provision of a rental guarantee  to Dunedin Canmore Housing Association. This meant that Dunedin Canmore was able  to enter into a contract with Springfield to purchase some of the homes. This  helped Dunedin Canmore and Springfield to secure private funding to build the  homes.

UK Housing awards

The Council-commissioned Letfirst  scheme, run by Orchard and Shipman, won the innovation of the year award at the  UK Housing Awards 2012. Letfirst helps those who are homeless or at risk of  homelessness to move into accommodation in the private rented sector. The  contract was tendered by the council in 2008 and has been run by Orchard and  Shipman since then.The Council and Link Group Limited were finalists in the Partnership of the  Year category for the Private Sector Leasing scheme which provides accommodation  for homeless households.

The Scottish Home Awards took  place on 28 June and the UK  Housing Awards took place on 27 June.