New housing projects bring multi-million-pound boost to construction sector
Loreburn Housing Association in Dumfries is among the projects announced.
Four housing projects, worth a total of £37.7 million, have been awarded through Scotland Excel’s new build framework – bringing a “much-needed boost” to the construction sector.
Loreburn Housing Association in Dumfries has awarded two projects to Ashleigh (Scotland) – a £4.8 million project to build 27 homes in Annan and a £14.8 million project to build 75 homes in Dumfries.
North Ayrshire Council’s £14.6 million Harbourside Project to build 79 homes has been awarded to MacTaggart Construction. While Stirling Council has awarded a £3.5 million project to deliver 22 homes to CCG (Scotland).
These are the first contracts to be awarded through the Scotland Excel new build framework and come as the construction industry works to recover following last year’s Covid-19 shutdown.
Scotland Excel said the projects could lead to sub-contracting work for the third sector, with supplier commitments to engage supported business and social enterprises to consider opportunities to be part of the supply chains.
Julie Welsh, Chief Executive of Scotland Excel, said: “This is a positive start to 2021 for Scotland Excel. We ended 2020, reaching the milestone of 100 associate members, thanks to several housing associations joining us. We are now supporting major improvements to Scotland’s social housing stock as three of our members use our framework to award new housing projects.
“This is good news for the construction sector and demonstrates the valuable role of our framework in supporting social landlords as they work with the construction industry to deliver efficient, high-quality housing projects that will bring social and economic benefits to our communities.”
Loreburn Housing Association Chief Executive, Lorraine Usher, said: “We were keen to work with a partner who could bring the experience of developing public procurement solutions and working with the construction industry. The Scotland Excel framework has a range of suppliers from across the country who have gone through the procurement process and are ready to do business. This is key for housing associations that are looking to form contracts, while also being assured that all necessary compliance details have been worked through. Ultimately, this means programmes can get underway and progress efficiently.”