The first phase of Angus Council’s multi-million pound Timmergreens Regeneration project in Arbroath has begun.
Demolition of garages and flats in the town’s Emislaw Drive and Spitalfield Place has started and will pave the way for 38 affordable properties for rent.
Initial proposals were revised after council tenants and residents were consulted on the design, and further amendments saw the addition of a path/cycle link which will improve the connection with public transport.
The area was originally identified for regeneration due to its higher than average numbers of low demand properties, characterised by a small waiting list, high numbers of empty houses, high refusal rate and low level of tenancy sustainment.
The new development will also see the creation of a new play park.
The first phase will see the demolition of 32 flats in Emislaw Drive and Spitalfield Place.
The 16, one-bedroom, eight, two-bedroom and eight, four-bedroom properties will be replaced with 16, one bedroom cottage flats, four, two-bedroom cottage flats, 13, two-bedroom houses and five, three-bedroom houses.
Space for 41 vehicles has also been included in the plans. A total of 33 garages will also go under the wrecking ball.
The units had proved hard to let and difficult to maintain due to the pre-cast concrete panel construction and corrugated asbestos roofing.
Almost half of the garages had lain empty within the last six months.
Angus Council Leader, Independent councillor David Fairweather, said: “These properties were poorly constructed in the 1960s, and although many people will have happy memories of them, there has been overwhelming support for this regeneration project.
“These new properties will be highly energy efficient, and will make a substantial contribution in the fight against fuel poverty.
A spokesman for the council added that there has been an engagement programme with pupils at nearby Timmergreens primary school before demolition began to ensure the pupils were informed about safety on the site, with further engagement at the school planned as construction progresses.
Later phases of the regeneration project includes parts of Newton Avenue, Newton Crescent, Fraser Path and Muirton Road.
