Invergordon welcomes our new affordable homes

In partnership with the Highland Council we have completed our latest development on Joss Street in Invergordon, providing new affordable homes for up to 74 people.

Completion of the 22 flats and two houses, which are all available for rent, was celebrated on 6 November by tenants, Albyn Board members and representatives from the Highland Council.

Our Chief Executive, Calum Macaulay, said:   “This development has been possible due to our successful partnership with the Highland Council. Working together allows us to fund an important new site in Invergordon at a time when demand for affordable housing is at an all-time high.

“However, it’s regrettable that this project marks the end of Albyn’s traditional Housing Association Grant funded programme which has supported the provision of so many quality new homes over many years and allowed Albyn to add significantly to the supply of new affordable housing in the Highlands. Under the new funding regime our provision will be much more limited.”

In a deal worth almost £2 million, we worked with the Highland Council and O’Brien Properties on the construction.  The properties are designed to be as energy efficient as possible incorporating extra insulation and passive solar design.

The landscaped area to the front of the development creates a community garden and balconies offer great views over the Cromarty Firth.

Calum Macaulay continued:  “This development will particularly benefit transfer applicants who have downsized from current larger properties.  Ground floor properties have been offered to tenants and applicants who are unable to cope with stairs.   We are delighted we have completed this development on time, to budget and in an area which has such a strong community spirit.”

Vice Convener of the Highland Council, Councillor Maxine Smith for Cromarty Firth Ward, said: “The Council is delighted that it has been has been able to develop this vacant Council- owned site in partnership with Albyn to provide much needed additional quality homes for affordable rent.

“Completion of these 10 Council units assists in meeting part of the Council’s commitment to deliver an additional 600 Council houses by 2017.  I welcome all our new tenants and wish them many happy years in their new homes.”