More than £9 million is being invested in the creation of an affordable housing project that could change the face of Stirling’s Raploch area.
A formal groundbreaking ceremony took place this week, ahead of building work that will see 86 new homes take shape over the next two years.
The project is the result of a partnership between Stirling Council, Cruden Homes (East) Limited, Forth Housing Association and the Raploch Urban Regeneration Company (RURC).
It will see 24 flats and two bungalows created for Stirling Council, together with 20 homes for social rent for the housing association and 42 homes for private sale by Cruden.
Stirling Council leader Johanna Boyd said: “These new properties will add much-needed, affordable housing to our current stock.
“They also help the council to deliver on two of its key objectives regenerating our most in-need communities and delivering more socially rented housing.”
The development is the latest phase of Stirling Council’s £30m housing investment scheme.
It aims to deliver more than 300 affordable homes across the Stirling Council area by December 2015, including 129 for mid-market rent.
The council has, however, been working to regenerate the Raploch area for many years through a series of housing projects.
Swathes of old and outdated housing have been demolished during the rejuvenation, which aims to overhaul the housing stock in the area completely.
Councillors and project partners gathered for a ceremony at Glendevon Drive to mark the investment and signal the start of the project.
Each of the properties will be built to a high standard, using the very latest building techniques, while some have even been tailored to tenants with specific needs.
Cruden Homes (East) Limited managing director Steven Simpson said: “Following on from the success of phase one, Cruden is delighted to commence the next phase of construction at Raploch.
“This signals an exciting development in the ongoing regeneration of this popular area of Stirling that will not only provide much-needed quality new homes, but also employment opportunities for the local community.
“The variety of property styles available across multi-tenures will further enhance what has already become an established, balanced and community-spirited residential location.”
Chair of the RURC, Harry Deerin, added: “I’m delighted to see the next phase of housing development in Raploch and that there will be a mix of private for sale and social rented housing, including two adapted bungalows.”