Four new affordable homes have been completed on Mill Street in Dingwall, bringing much needed one bed social rent properties to an area where demand has remained high for several years.
The development sits on the site of the former MacBeth Store and marks another step in the regeneration of a once derelict corner of the town.
Highland based Capstone Construction Ltd delivered the build, supported by £414,889 from the Scottish Government’s More Homes Division.
The project forms part of the Highland Housing Challenge and aims to strengthen the supply of affordable homes across the region.
Housing and Property Committee Chair Glynis Campbell Sinclair said the new properties offer a clear improvement for the town.
“As part of the Highland Housing Challenge, The Highland Council is committed to improving the housing stock across the Highlands and this development not only provides much needed new homes, but it has also regenerated a derelict site and improved the area.”
She said the completion of 20 to 22 Mill Street signals continuing progress.
“The completion of 20 to 22 Mill Street, Dingwall marks the continued regeneration of the area and adds to the social housing stock.
“I wish the new tenants every happiness in their new home and thank all involved in making this development come to fruition.”
Dingwall and Seaforth Committee Chair Graham MacKenzie said the new homes meet a long identified need for smaller affordable properties.
“The Dingwall and Seaforth area has been working hard to provide this type of one bed properties, and on behalf of our local area Members, I’d like to say how delighted we are that these new homes can begin to welcome new tenants.
“The Scottish Government’s More Homes Division funding has helped the Council to commit to the delivery of new affordable homes for rent or low cost home ownership or mid market rent.
“There are many wider socio economic benefits in providing more affordable housing and Mill Street, Dingwall is an example of the importance of regenerating derelict areas, which in turn helps reduce the depopulation of communities.
“Building new houses also boosts the construction industry and creates wider circular economic benefits over the longer term.”
The new properties form part of the Highland Strategic Housing Investment Plan which sets out proposals for affordable housing investment from 2023 to 2028 and reaffirms the commitment to deliver an average of 500 new affordable homes each year.
Around 70 percent of these homes would be for affordable rent while the remaining 30 percent would support intermediate affordable housing including low cost ownership and mid market rent.
The homes at Mill Street will now be allocated to new tenants in the coming weeks as the development begins its role in strengthening Dingwall’s housing mix.
