Tag: Port of Leith Housing Association

New mid market rent homes come to Crewe Toll

Harbour Homes and Cullross Ltd have brought eleven new affordable homes to Telford Drive. The homes, close to a popular walking and cycle route, will be managed by Harbour Lettings who look forward to welcoming new tenants this spring.

The contemporary development consists of one and two-bedroom flats overlooking Edinburgh’s skyline with the castle and Arthur’s Seat in view, and further afield to the Pentland Hills.

The modern homes have ample storage, ground floor private and communal gardens, bicycle storage and a rainwater harvesting system. These new homes, located on an already established residential street, are conveniently placed near public transport links, green spaces and shops at a nearby retail park.

Heather Kiteley, Harbour Chief Executive, said: “These homes offer a modern, affordable living option for the local community, including those working at the nearby Western General Hospital.

“It is fantastic to bring our new mid market rent homes to an established community, and I expect these will be sought after as a highly convenient spot for the local workforce.

“This project has been a real success, working alongside Cullross Ltd to deliver such high-quality homes ahead of schedule.”

Mark Beaton, Director of Cullross Ltd., said: “We are delighted to be handing over the eleven 1-bed and 2-bed flats at Telford Drive, well ahead of schedule. 

We have worked closely with Harbour Homes, both through the planning process and latterly the construction phase, providing them with these high-quality new flats.

“Although the nature of the project was at times complex, we are pleased with the outcome resulting in these excellent new homes. We look forward to seeing the new tenants moving in shortly.”

The main contractor was Cullross Ltd who appointed the architect and structural engineer. The employer’s agent was Pottie Wilson, and the Clerk of Works was Harbour Homes.

Excellence award for Port of Leith Housing Association

PoLHA sheltered housing staff have been awarded the Excellence in Adult Services award at the Scottish Social Services Awards 2022.

The awards celebrate the work of Scottish Social Services and the individuals, teams and organisations making a positive difference to people’s lives across Scotland. The judging panel comprised Scottish Government policy officials and key sector stakeholders.

There were 250 applications for this year’s awards which showcase the best of the social care and social work sector. The team won a similar award in 2017, demonstrating its continued dedication to providing the best service to residents.

Sheltered Housing Manager, Maureen Combe, commented: “Our older people are at the heart of everything we do, for us it’s about delivering the best person-centred support, individual choice and supporting each older person to live their best life in an environment that encourages good health and wellbeing.

“Winning this award has been a fantastic recognition of all the great work that our staff do. As a Manager, there is nothing more fulfilling than a fully functional team who are recognised and rewarded for their incredible work.”

Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive of PoLHA, said: “I am incredibly proud that our staff, and their exceptional service, are being recognised by the Scottish Social Services Awards.

“Our team have made a significant impact on the quality of our residents’ lives, and I know of so many cases where they have gone above and beyond to create positive and enriching experiences for the people who call our sheltered housing developments home.”

PoLHA wins commendation at the Herald Property Awards 2022 for Heron Place development

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) has won a commendation at the Herald Property Awards 2022 in the Affordable Housing Development of the Year category (sponsored by NHBC) for its Heron Place development.

Heron Place was also shortlisted for the Scottish Home Awards 2022 and nominated for Architecture: Regeneration Heron Place at the Scottish Design Awards 2022.

The development situated at Granton Harbour consists of 46 homes for social rent, including two wheelchair accessible flats, and 58 homes for mid market rent. The construction and design team comprised of CCG (Scotland) Ltd, architects Hackland and Dore, structural engineer Bayne Stevenson Associates Ltd and M&E engineer The Keenan Consultancy.

The Herald Property Awards for Scotland 2022 honoured the achievements of Scotland’s most innovative and successful home and commercial builders, developers, agents, interior designers and registered social landlords. The awards took place on Thursday, September 29 at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.

The Affordable Housing Development of the Year category was open to registered social housing providers, charities, trusts or public bodies in partnership with a local authority and/or a developer for rent and/or shared ownership.

The judges were looking for evidence of how the development has impacted positively on the lives of local residents and contributed towards the regeneration of the area. Consideration was given to the use of sustainable materials and building techniques, as well as the development’s impact on the local environment.

Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive of PoLHA, said: “We’re proud that Heron Place is thriving within the Granton waterfront community with sustainable, affordable homes and brilliant communities.

“Receiving a commendation for Best Affordable Housing Development at the Herald Property Awards on top of our shortlist at the Scottish Home Awards 2022 is incredible rewarding.”

Local artist Kate George brightens up Leith with seasonal mural

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA), working alongside local arts charity Out of the Blue, have commissioned a mural for the garden of one of its developments in Leith.

PoLHA asked what type of mural residents would like and using the chosen theme of gardens, artist Kate George held a riso print workshop with tenants at Out of the Blue to create garden-themed shapes to include in the design.

Inspired by the tenants’ ideas, Kate and the team layered different nature based shapes including a swift and a robin to create a design for the 12 metre long mural.

Artist Kate George commented: “I was approached by Out of the Blue as I have previously worked on large scale murals and my studio is based at their Drill Hall. I always use community input into the designs.

“We surveyed the tenants and found that they wanted a garden themed mural featuring plants and flowers; most importantly they wanted it to be bright.

“This mural was different to any I’ve produced before as I used the Out of the Blue riso print studio to work with tenants to create riso prints of garden themed shapes then applied these to the mural design. It’s changed my approach to community murals that I’ll undertake in future.”

Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive of PoLHA, said: “This mural is an excellent example of us working with community organisations and our tenants to create brilliant outside spaces.

“I love the bright design which makes the garden an even more appealing place for residents to enjoy.”

Scottish Housing Day: Alliance of Edinburgh affordable housing providers rally together to support sustainable housing

With Scottish Housing Day (14 September 2022) focusing on sustainable housing, the Alliance of Registered Co-operatives and Housing Associations, Independent in Edinburgh (ARCHIE) is working collaboratively to address the challenges around decarbonisation and energy efficiency and provide advice on how tenants can live sustainable lives, from energy saving tips to financial support.

Past ARCHIE successes include joint ventures such as distributing energy saving packs to tenants and energy use advice. One of the most successful projects is the provision of Tenant Advice Services, which includes money, debt, benefits and tenancy sustainment advice.

Through sharing services and collaborating on joint activities ARCHIE members provide value for money and keep rents affordable.

The ARCHIE members are Lister Housing Co-operative, Manor Estates Housing Association, Muirhouse Housing Association, Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA), Prospect Community Housing, Viewpoint Housing Association and West Granton Housing Co-operative.

Larke Adger, Chair of ARCHIE and Chief Executive, West Granton Housing Co-op commented: “Through collaborative working, we have achieved better services and support for tenants across all ARCHIE member organisations.

“We look forward to continuing to build on this work to help create thriving, sustainable communities.”

Health Issues in the Community training course

Health Issues in the Community (HIIC) is a course that helps people understand what affects their health & the health of their communities. HIIC supports people to develop the skills & knowledge to address health issues using community development approaches & bring about change.

Through a small grant from Edinburgh PACT’s Capacity to Collaborate fund we (Edinburgh Community Food, Inspiring Leith, YMCA and Port of Leith) will be running a HIIC course in Leith early next year – more details coming soon!

Before that we want to give workers, who might not be familiar with the course, the chance to find out more about it and what it might be like for people who want to participate in the full course.

We’ve also got a small amount of funds to support local workers attend the full HIIC training for trainers if these sessions inspire you!

The next 2 sessions will take place from 12 – 1.30 on the 14th and 21st of September at the Hibs Foundation Community Space, North Stand Entrance of Easter Road Stadium.

Book your  place by filling in this form: https://forms.office.com/r/Qjd48Fcs4d

Port of Leith’s Heron Place shortlisted for housing award

Sustainable Granton waterfront development in the running for award  

A key element in Edinburgh’s on-going waterfront regeneration programme has been nominated as Scotland’s Best Affordable Housing Development at the prestigious Herald Property Awards ceremony to be held next month in Glasgow. 

The Heron Place development at Granton Harbour, completed by Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) and its subsidiary Persevere Developments in 2021, consists of 46 homes for social rent, including two wheelchair accessible flats, and 58 homes for mid market rent.  

The development is being recognised for the finish of the homes, the stunning views it affords of the water and Edinburgh Marina, and its sustainability. It has achieved the lowest possible Environmental Impact Rating, contains high quality insulation and is fitted with air quality monitors throughout.  

Heron Place’s contractor was CCG and the architect was Hackland + Dore. Bayne Stevenson Associates were the structural engineer, and The Keenan Consultancy was the M&E engineer. 

Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive, Port of Leith Housing Association, said: “We’re all very proud of the extent to which Heron Place has already become a thriving element of the rapidly evolving Granton waterfront community, providing first-class, sustainable affordable homes and brilliant communities.

“Being shortlisted for Best Affordable Housing Development at the Herald Property Awards is the icing on the cake for us.” 

Manuela Molendini, Associate Director, Hackland + Dore Architects, said: “We are delighted with the shortlisting of Heron Place, a successful outcome of productive team working and community engagement, resulting in a comprehensive regeneration and improvement of the site and of wider Western Granton.

“The mixed-tenure development provides a well-integrated placemaking solution that meets housing targets, delivers a strategic environment and a sustainable neighbourhood where communities feel connected and can thrive.” 

The development is a key element of PoLHA’s ambitious plans to deliver more than 600 high-quality, affordable homes by 2025. You can read more about this in its strategic plan polha.co.uk/2025. 

Sheltered housing staff nominated for an Excellence in Adult Services award

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) sheltered housing staff have been nominated for an Excellence in Adult Services award.

The awards, as part of the Scottish Social Services Awards 2022, recognise the exceptional work across the social care and social work sector in Scotland. The judging panel was comprised of Scottish Government policy officials and key sector stakeholders.

There were 250 applications for this year’s awards showcasing the best of the social care and social work sector.

The team won a similar award in 2017, demonstrating their continued dedication to providing the best service to residents.

PoLHA Chief Executive, Heather Kiteley, commented: “I am incredibly proud that our staff and their exceptional service are being recognised by the Scottish Social Services Awards, especially after the last few difficult years in this sector.

“Our team have made a significant impact on the quality of our residents’ lives and I know of so many cases where they have gone above and beyond to create positive and enriching experiences for the people who call our sheltered housing developments home.”

The winners will be announced on 15 September 2022 in Glasgow.

Affordable Granton Harbour homes shortlisted for Scottish Home Awards

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) alongside Hackland + Dore Architects have been shortlisted in two categories in the Scottish Home Awards 2022.

The categories are ‘Affordable Housing Development of the Year’ and ‘Housing Regeneration Project of the Year’ in recognition of their Heron Place affordable development in north Edinburgh.  

The shortlisted development is situated at Granton Harbour and makes up a stretch of the city’s large-scale waterfront regeneration programme. In total there are 46 homes for social rent, including two wheelchair accessible flats, and 58 homes for mid market rent within the development. The mid market rent flats are delivered by Persevere Developments Ltd, a subsidiary of PoLHA.  

The development of Heron Place contributes to the city’s waterfront regeneration by transforming derelict land into a sustainable neighbourhood and addressing local housing needs.

Community activities have been arranged for new residents and locals such as organised walks, courtyard events, and visits to nearby Wardie Bay beach. Tenants have also been involved in gardening within the development’s central courtyard. 

Heather Kiteley, PoLHA Group Chief Executive said: “It is wonderful to see residents of Heron Place enjoying their homes and adding to the community at Granton Harbour.

“The development with its friendly courtyard is a joy to visit and I am proud of all those who have been involved in its planning and development as well as the ongoing engagement with those who live there.

“I look forward to seeing the waterfront regeneration programme continue to unfold in the months and years to come.”  

Manuela Molendini, Hackland + Dore Architects Associate Director said: “Working collaboratively with PoLHA and CCG, Hackland + Dore Architects have delivered a sensitive design response, focussing on the positive impact on the local community through a range of urban and economic improvements.

“The enhancement of the ‘Public Realm’, comprises of accessible amenity space with high quality landscaping, while expanding connections to the existing marina with a network of paths for pedestrians and cyclists promotes sustainable travel. 

“Heron Place is a sustainable response to a brownfield site. The mixed-tenure development provides a comprehensive well integrated placemaking solution that meets housing targets, and delivers a neighbourhood where communities feel connected and can thrive.” 

Port of Leith Housing Association has ambitious plans to deliver more than 600 high-quality, affordable homes by 2025. You can read more about this in its strategic plan polha.co.uk/2025.  

Thank You: Mike’s fundraising in Leith for the NHS

Musician and PoLHA sheltered housing resident Mike Egan, 79, has released his first solo album to raise funds for the NHS.

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) has supported Mike Egan (79), one of its sheltered housing residents, to produce an album to raise funds for the NHS.

Session guitarist Mike Egan’s musical career includes recording and touring with Elton John, Carly Simon, Rick Wakeman, Shirley Bassey, Charles Aznavour, Sasha Distell and Engelbert Humperdinck. He played on the 1977 Bond soundtrack The Spy Who Loves Me and his song writing credits include Columns of Grey.

Having returned to Leith after living in Belgium for 38 years, Mike was inspired to write his first solo album which outlines his reflections on growing up in Leith.

Mike wanted to raise funds for the NHS after seeing their work during the Covid pandemic. All proceeds will be donated to the NHS.

The album’s production was financed by PoLHA’s Placemaking funds.

Mike Egan commented: “COVID 19 has been a really difficult time. I found solace in my guitar and song writing. Seeing the sacrifices everyone was making to get through the pandemic and those that were working hard to keep everyone safe including the NHS and our sheltered housing staff was inspiring.

“I really enjoyed recording the album, getting back in the studio was the best thing. Richard Werner from B&B Studios was excellent, he is a fantastic sound engineer.”

John Murray, PoLHA Placemaking Manager, said: “Placemaking is all about working with members of the community to improve their lives and the environment we live and work in.

“It’s about looking at what people can bring to their community, not what can be done for them. Our communities are teeming with knowledge, talent and skills and this is just one example of how a little bit of input from an organisation can facilitate something great.”

Thank You, the new album by Mike Egan, can be purchased on Bandcamp: https://mikeegan.bandcamp.com/releases.

It can be downloaded for £5 or bought as a CD for £8. All proceeds go to the NHS.