Green light for Perth housing regeneration

Regeneration development expert Urban Union is to begin work on a project to develop the Muirton area of Perth in partnership with Caledonia Housing Association and Fairfield Housing Co-operative.

The development of 203 new houses – the first for the Urban Union in Perth – will include 102 affordable homes and 101 for private sale, and will be situated next to the original St Johnstone F.C. home ground.

The multi-million pound project was granted planning approval by Perth & Kinross Council in July 2016.

Urban Union Ltd was appointed by Caledonia Housing Association to deliver the new homes in November last year and will begin work imminently. Completion of the affordable and private homes is scheduled for the end of 2018.

The development will offer a wide range of accommodation types with one, two, three and four bedroom properties available. Each property comes with either private or shared gardens alongside attractive outdoor space and car parking facilities.

The new homes will form an important part of the regeneration of the site at Muirton and will follow extensive community engagement in the development of the master plans.

Neil McKay, managing director of Urban Union, said: "We look forward to starting work in the local area to develop 'Muirton Living'.

"This is a great location for prospective house buyers and our range of affordable apartments and houses will provide an excellent opportunity for people in Perth and further afield.

"Our commitment to community engagement has long since formed the cornerstone of our development strategy. We are looking forward to the opportunities we have coming up for the Perth community to be involved in the project, particularly in terms of celebrating the history and heritage of the local area."

Julie Cosgrove, chief executive at Caledonia Housing Association, said: "We are delighted that the project is progressing and that prospective buyers will now be able to access information about these new homes. I would like to thank our partners, Perth & Kinross Council and Fairfield, for their invaluable contributions and support to get to this stage."

Grant Ager, chief executive at Fairfield Housing Co-operative, said: "With over 25 years as a housing provider to the city of Perth you might think we'd have become somewhat desensitised to milestones like this – well we haven't! We are delighted that the signage is up and the public are now able to approach the staff at the sales office for more information about this fantastic development."

Perth & Kinross Council's convener of housing and health, Councillor Dave Doogan, added: "The regeneration of Muirton has been a priority for the council over the last decade, and the work we have done with partner organisations during that time has totally transformed Muirton into a desirable area that people enjoy living in.

"In addition to the regeneration work that has already been carried out, this new high quality, affordable social housing will be a valuable asset to the area, contributing much needed social accommodation and also bringing more vibrancy to the community."

From the outset Urban Union will work in partnership with the local community, ensuring their views and needs are reflected in the regeneration of their area.