Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) and the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) have been shortlisted for a Scottish Home Award for the new development at Leith Fort. The ambitious development, including 94 affordable homes, is in the running to clinch the large affordable housing development of the year title. Continue reading “Not just a housing scheme”: Leith Fort shortlisted for Scottish Home Award
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.”
Quay Community Improvements, a social enterprise set up by Port of Leith Housing Association in 2016, has secured a three-year contract to deliver cleaning services for West Granton Housing Co-Op. Continue reading Quay seals deal for three year West Granton contract
The Window Wanderland concept, which transforms everyday streets into outdoor art galleries, came to the streets of Leith for the first time on Saturday, giving the community the chance to show off their creative talents. Continue reading Leith’s streets transformed by local talent
The Window Wanderland concept, which transforms everyday streets into outdoor art galleries, is coming to the streets of Leith for the first time this month (on 17 March from 6 – 9PM), giving the community the chance to show off their creative talents. Continue reading Leith to become a Window Wanderland
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
A Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) sheltered housing tenant has shared memories of her father working as a whaler in a book about this long-lost industry. Continue reading Whaling Days: tenant shares memories of Leith’s bygone industry
A partnership between Port of Leith Housing Association,the City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Government has delivered a new community of affordable homes in Leith. An opening ceremony will take place today at the site of the 18th century Leith Fort, which was the original home of Edinburgh Castle’s world famous One o’clock gun. Continue reading Starting gun sounds for historic Leith Fort site
Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) has welcomed more residents into its St Nicholas Court sheltered housing complex on Ferry Road.
As part of a £1.6 million project, eight one bedroom flats were completed by Glasgow-based construction specialists, CCG, earlier in the summer. A sun lounge and guest bedroom, plus additional landscaping – including allotment plots for the residents to grow their own fruit, vegetables and flowers – have also been created
The heating system and bathrooms have also been upgraded in the original 35-bedroom development which was built in 1983.
Maureen Tait, Sheltered Housing Services Manager at PoLHA, said: “Our St Nicholas Court development has always been a popular choice for people seeking sheltered housing, so we’re thrilled to be able to give more people the opportunity to live here.
“We’re all really enjoying welcoming our eight new residents into these fantastic flats and hope that they make many happy memories in their new homes.”
New tenant Frances McPherson said: “I previously lived in a flat in Lorne Street for 50 years, but my husband has COPD and the stairs were proving difficult. We are delighted with our new home as it’s lovely and bright and requires no decorating. Plus, our four-year-old granddaughter is looking forward to sleepovers.”
Another new tenant Jane Kelly said: “It is lovely living here. It’s a big change as I lived in my last home for 51 years. I’m getting used to the open plan living layout and I’ve had my granddaughter across who has helped me make it feel like home with photographs and ornaments.”
Calum Murray, Director at CCG, said: “Over recent years CCG has become more and more active in the region of Edinburgh with a broad range of contracts ranging from new build housing to upgrade and renewal. We have worked with Port of Leith Housing Association on many of these contracts and we were delighted to continue this partnership with St Nicholas Court.
“The new residents across the development will benefit from savings on their energy bills thanks to the upgrades to their heating and the installation of solar PV on the roof as well as the enhanced accessibility brought by the new landscaping.”
Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) has set up a new employability service, Community Works, which will support people over the age of 16 living in Leith and North Edinburgh who are looking for work or seeking to develop their careers. Continue reading Community Works: Port of Leith launches new employability service
