Robertson is supporting Fife Council’s housebuilding programme with the construction of 85 more new affordable and energy-efficient homes on the former site of the Blacklaw Primary School in Dunfermline.
Robertson Construction is delivering this development, which is the fourth of seven projects for the council, after completing 94 properties in Cupar, Kennoway and Pitcorthie, also in Dunfermline.
85
homes for social rent
16%
wheelchair accessible and amenity homes
4th project
of seven for Fife Council
High-quality design
The houses are designed as part of an attractive residential development that fits in positively to its local setting, with enhanced streets, footpaths, landscaping, tree planting and green spaces. A townhouse design has been included in the development to accommodate a home for larger families.
Delivering solutions to challenging site topography
We have made a series of improvements to the site to ensure that this development could happen.
Scottish Water infrastructure upgrades: we carried out advance works to support development of the site, completing these on a tight schedule to minimize disruption to roads and recreational areas.
Drainage installation: our team installed drainage over 5m deep, ensuring temporary support for safe connection to the existing network, based on site topography.
Site preparation: significant earthworks were delivered, including moving 15,000m3 of spoil and constructing 900m of retaining structures to create level access and usable gardens.
Service diversions: electrical and telecom services were relocated before construction, including moving a bus stop and creating a new site entrance for road access.
Maximising value for our customer
The works have been sequenced to be handed over to our customer and occupied in 6 separate phases. This creates a manageable handover schedule for the housing team and means that new tenants can move in more quickly, compared with handing over the whole development at one time.
A townhouse design was provided to deliver a cost-effective design solution for much-needed large family homes, working within a limited ground-floor footprint (47m2 from 59m2).
Sustainable construction to achieve low running costs
We have constructed the homes to highly energy efficient designs, to help Fife Council achieve their target of increasing their stock of high-quality housing.
All houses are fitted with sprinkler systems, recognising both Fife Council’s and The Scottish Government’s criteria for safety to be paramount in newly built properties.
Features will keep energy bills low for the residents, underlining the Council's commitment to the natural environment and the wellbeing of its communities.
Full marks for considerate construction
As with all Robertson sites, Blacklaw Road was independently assessed by the Considerate Constructors Scheme, reviewing three key criteria: Respect the Community, Care for the Environment, and Value their Workforce.
The site achieved a faultless score of 45/45, was commended as 'Excellent’ by the CCS, and specifically praised for:
● a generous social impact plan, including work placements from local schools and donations of surplus material to local organisations and neighbours,
● regular contact with surrounding neighbours, ensuring they are kept informed and that works are carried out considerately,
● excellent health and safety standards, from awareness campaigns and signage to competency checks and training,
● employee health and wellbeing support, including an on-site mental health first aider and dedicated resources,
● commitment to environmental and sustainability best practice,
● high-quality, eco-friendly and energy-efficient welfare facilities.
“The site gives the impression of being a professional, well-managed project that enhances the image of the organisation and the industry.”
