June start expected for Aberdeen flats development

Visualisation of the site from Gairsay Drive
Visualisation of the site from Gairsay Drive

Work to create almost 370 flats at a former Aberdeen school could start as early as June, it has been revealed.

Aberdeen City Council has given the green light to a building warrant to develop 369 flats at the former Summerhill Academy on the Lang Stracht.

The £35 million proposals, which were submitted for planning approval in April last year, will involve eight four-storey blocks consisting of a mix of one, two and three-bedroom flats to rent for those on lower income, with parking spaces for 296 cars earmarked.

The development forms part of a five-year business plan between the council and housing developer Places for People, called Shaping Aberdeen Housing LLP, which will eventually lead to the way for the delivery of up to 3,000 homes in the city.

Summerhill Academy Aberdeen 2An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman told the Evening Express: “We anticipate that Shaping Aberdeen Housing LLP will start work at its Summerhill site in June.

“Summerhill will be the first site developed among a number of affordable housing locations identified as part of the Shaping Aberdeen Housing LLP business plan, which was approved by the council on March 15. Once completed, the Summerhill development will provide 369 new homes available at mid-market rent.

“The Summerhill project is part of a joint venture between Aberdeen City Council and Places for People to build 1,000 new homes on five sites across Aberdeen and is part of Aberdeen City Council’s wider Strategic Infrastructure Plan to deliver up to 2,030 new homes in total.

“The sites will provide a broad housing mix, including social rent, mid-market rent, shared equity/low-cost home ownership, and private sale.”

Finance convener Willie Young, who is also a Places for People board member, said workers could be on site next month.

He added: “This is great news for the city of Aberdeen.”

It is hoped the Lang Stracht development, which could include a park, will help attract more public sector staff to the city.

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