A partnership between housing provider Wheatley Group and housebuilder Cala Homes has completed a development of 57 homes intended for social rent.
The homes, built by Cala Homes (East), are located in Penicuik in the Midlothian region of Scotland. They include 16 cottage flats, 13 terraced homes, and 28 apartments.
They represent a key element of the Mauricewood masterplan that aims to bring more than 500 homes to the northern edge of the town.
To mark the completion of the homes, Cala and Wheatley Group hosted the Scottish government’s minister for housing, Paul McLennan, along with local provost, Debbi McCall for a tour around the wider development.
McLennan said: “The right to a warm, safe and affordable home is critical to well-being and is a right everyone deserves. Wheatley Group, working with key partners such as Cala Homes, plays a significant role in increasing the range of housing available to rent throughout Scotland.
“The Scottish Government has supported this new build development with over £3.9m. This has enabled Wheatley Group working with Cala to deliver 57 high quality energy-efficient affordable homes here in Penicuik.
“High quality housing is a key pillar of housing to 2040, whilst also eradicating fuel poverty and homelessness and ensuring everyone has access to green space and essential services. I welcome the opportunity to see for myself these much needed, newly completed affordable homes in Midlothian.”
The homes are said to have been built to high specifications. As a result, each property is energy efficient, achieving a minimum EPC rating of B, as well as having provision for electric vehicle charging.
Wheatley Homes East tenant Emma Hopton, who moved into her “beautiful” new two-bedroom home in May, said: “The property has solar panels and it’ll be good to see what difference those make with the colder weather coming.”
Collective focus
Craig Lynes, managing director for Cala Homes (East), said: “Cala and Wheatley have worked hard on this project for the past two and a half years – from planning right through to the final handover.
“Our collective focus was delivering high quality, tenure-blind social rented accommodation and we are delighted this has been achieved.
“It is our fifth joint project to be completed with Wheatley Group and we are committed to delivering more affordable homes in the local area and beyond.”
Provost Debbi McCall, said: “Cala and Wheatley Group have done a terrific job in capturing the essence and spirit of community, and we hope these homes will develop into tight-knit social hubs that reflect the people who live here.”
Steven Henderson, Wheatley Group’s chief executive, said: “Working with our partners at Cala, Scottish Government, and Midlothian Council, we are able to build these much-needed affordable homes and breathe new life into the community.
“We are delighted to see the positive impact these high-quality, energy efficient homes have already had on the local area and we’re sure our tenants will enjoy living there for many years to come.”
Main image: Steven Henderson of Wheatley Group; housing minister, Paul McLennan; and Craig Lynes of Cala Homes (East)
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