Housing Minister visits Derby Street, Dundee

Minister for Local Government and Housing Kevin Stewart MSP was in Dundee yesterday to visit the site of a new affordable housing development, which will bring 163 new homes to the city.

The Derby Street development will provide a significant boost for the area in providing much-needed affordable housing that is fit for the needs of the community. A partnership between Hillcrest Housing Association and Dundee City Council, the overall development will deliver a mixture of mainstream and assisted living flats and houses. The development on this site is being supported by a loan of £7 million from Allia through its charitable bond scheme with the Scottish Government.

Among those welcoming the minister to the site was David Zwirlein, Hillcrest’s Director of Development and New Business. He said:

“It’s exciting to be part of the transformation for Dundee’s Hilltown, so we are delighted this project will be getting underway soon. Not only will the homes be good quality and affordable, they will be energy efficient and meet a range of housing needs.

“A mixture of flats and houses as well as social and mid-market rent means we will deliver a development which addresses the shortage of affordable rented housing in the city.” 

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said:

“I was delighted to have the chance to visit the proposed Hillcrest development and hear first-hand the great benefits it will bring to the area. It will provide a mix of high-quality, affordable homes and breathe new life into the community.

“Funded with £7 million through our innovative charitable bonds scheme, support for this development firmly demonstrates our commitment to investing in affordable housing, the length and breadth of Scotland, ensuring the right homes, in the right places, for individuals and communities.

“Over this parliament, we are committed to delivering at least 50,000 affordable homes, backed by £3 billion of investment. Developments like Hillcrest’s, with its promise of 163 new homes, are a great example of how we are meeting that commitment.”

Stewart Shearer, Managing Director, Robertson Partnership Homes, said:

“The new affordable homes being built at Derby Street will make a significant difference to residents in Hilltown, and we are pleased to be leading the project as main contractor.

“Construction work will soon be underway, and we will be working closely with Dundee City Council and Hillcrest Housing Association throughout as well as engaging with the local community. Once complete, we firmly believe Derby Street will be among the finest affordable housing projects ever seen in Scotland.”

Representatives from Dundee City Council were also part of the group who met the Minister. Ann Rendall, Depute Convener of Neighbourhood Services, said:

“We are committed to playing our part in meeting the Scottish Government’s new affordable homes target of 50,000 units. This exciting new development with our partners Hillcrest Housing Association contributes significantly to the regeneration of the Hilltown as well as meeting a wide range of housing need.”

Work will start on site in the coming month with a completion date of 2019.

Pictured: Stewart Shearer, Managing Director Robertson Partnership Homes; Anne Rendall, Depute Convenor of Neighbourhood Services at Dundee City Council; Val Howard, Hillcrest Chairperson; and Minister for Local Government Kevin Stewart MSP.