Ark Housing Association has started work on what it claims to be one of Scotland’s most energy-efficient developments.
The £4.2m Crusader Rise project in Livingston should deliver 20 homes for social rent.
It represents the first phase in a five-year strategy of new-build housing projects for the Edinburgh-headquartered housing association, which will augment its current stock of 400 properties.
Ark’s chief executive Bobby Duffy said: “With Crusader Rise, our number one priority was to provide the highest possible quality of modern, affordable homes for social rental, while also setting new standards for energy efficiency and environmental impact.
“We have also built in innovative solutions to enable tenants with disabilities to live independently and we designed some of our properties to be suitable for those tenants who may require higher levels of care and support.”
In response to local housing need, Crusader Rise will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom homes, including six ground floor apartments designed to wheelchair standards.
With a range of thermal technologies, the new homes will deliver zero direct emissions heating, in line with the Scottish Government’s Affordable Warmth and Zero Emission targets. The development will also incorporate electric car charging facilities.
The new-build development is being funded by Ark and the Scottish Government, with Ark committing just over £2m and a grant award of £2.1m from the Scottish Government.
Following a competitive tender process through Public Contract Scotland, JR Construction (Scotland) has been awarded the building contract.
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