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05-08-2009

Scottish Housing Minister opens New Housing Development in Stornoway

Alex Neil MSP, Scotland’s Housing and Communities Minister today officially opened Hebridean Housing Partnership’s new housing development Arra’s Cottages in Perceval Road Stornoway.

Alex Neil MSP Opening Arras Cottages
Alex Neil MSP Opening Arras Cottages

The development consists of 12 new semi-detached houses of various sizes and was completed by local contractor Calmax Construction Ltd in June this year.

The houses were built for renting and have all been occupied since completion. Tenants have said they are delighted with their new homes.

HHP vice chair David blaney with Minister for Housing and Communities Alex Neil
HHP vice chair David blaney and Minister for Housing & Communities Alex Neil

HHP’s Vice Chair David Blaney says,

“I believe this development clearly shows that we can deliver a first class product of affordable housing which meets our tenants’ needs and which sets a new standard for quality and design. I am delighted that working in partnership with the Scottish Government, Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar and our development agents Tighean Innse Gall we have been able to achieve this superb example of housing for rent and I look forward to the completion of many more high quality projects throughout our islands.”

Local Residents
Local Residents

Alex Neil MSP commented,

“I am very pleased to open this superb new development and to see a local construction company involved in bringing this to fruition. The Scottish Government is investing record amounts of funding in boosting Scotland’s stock of good quality affordable homes. Over the next three years we are investing £1.5 billion and this year £6.6 million will directly support the affordable housing sector in the Western Isles. This is great news for local people looking for affordable housing and for the local economy and jobs.”

The development at Arra’s Cottages cost around £1.5 million and provided a much needed economic boost in the islands at a time when the whole construction industry is under pressure.

Councillor Norman MacDonald, the Comhairle Chair of Environment and Protective Services Committee noted,

“On behalf of the Comhairle I would like to commend HHP for the completion of another fine housing development here at Arra’s Cottages. These new houses will provide a much needed addition to the supply of affordable housing in Stornoway. The construction of these houses has also provided a lift for the local economy, through the building sector at a difficult time.

“There is a great demand for good quality rented housing, especially in and around Stornoway and we need many more developments such as Arra’s Cottages in order to make an impact on the waiting lists. I hope that we can make the case to the Scottish Government to ensure that there is development funding available for HHP to provide many more developments such as this in the future, to support the demand for housing, and also to help stimulate the local economy.”

HHP currently have 6 other housing projects on site and have a new build programme for the current year in excess of £7.5 million. This money will be spent on delivering new affordable, high quality homes for rent throughout the Western Isles.

Note

HHP was formed in 2006 when Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar transferred all of its houses following a ballot of tenants. It now owns and manages over 2200 homes for affordable rent across the Western Isles.