Construction work on the first new Edinburgh council homes "for a generation" is set to begin following the appointment of a developer. Edinburgh-based firm the Cruden Group will now begin building 215 homes on the site of the three former high rises in Gracemount.
At least half of the development will be affordable housing with the first phase seeing 99 homes being built - a mixture of one, two, and three bedroom flats and colony style apartments. Sixty seven will be for social rent, 20 mid rent and the rest shared equity. The second phase will consist of 116 homes (70 flats and 46 houses including eight shared equity flats).
Edinburgh City Council Housing leader, Councillor Paul Edie, said the Council’s 21st Century Plan is a "vital element" in the regeneration of Edinburgh, while addressing the need for more affordable housing.
"I’m confident they (Cruden Group) will deliver modern homes fit for the 21st Century that will set the standard for other councils across Scotland to follow," said Edie.
The first properties are expected to be available towards the end of next year.
The announcement is the latest major step forward in the 21st Century Homes programme which aims to build 1,300 mixed tenure homes for sale and rent across the Capital over the next eight years.
It will also see the beginning of up to £150 million of Council-led investment in the regeneration of the Gracemount, North Sighthill and Pennywell & Muirhouse areas of the city.