An opening ceremony will take place today at the site of the 18th century Leith Fort, which was the first home of the world famous ‘One o’clock gun’ now housed at Edinburgh Castle.

The development contains 62 new homes for mid market rent by Port of Leith Housing Association’s subsidiary, Persevere Developments, and 32 homes for social rent by City of Edinburgh Council.

The project was funded by the Association, the council and a grant of almost £2.9 million from the Scottish Government.

The properties, including a mix of one, two, three and four bedroom homes, are a modern take on the traditional Edinburgh colonies concept. All homes have private south west facing gardens and main door access. Tenants also have access to parking within the site and a communal landscaped area.

The development will be declared open by Housing Minister Kevin Stewart and Cllr Gavin Barrie, convener of the council’s housing committee.

Margaret O’Connor, chair of Port of Leith Housing Association, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing another development of high-quality, affordable and family-friendly homes to Leith. It has been an honour for all partners to have played a role in breathing new life into this iconic site by delivering such a successful modern interpretation of the Edinburgh colonies. These great new places for people to call home are part of our plans to build an additional 800 affordable homes for people in Leith and north Edinburgh over the next five years.

“The history of the site plays an important part in the story of Edinburgh. We hope that a new community will flourish and write its own history here.”

Cllr Gavin Barrie, housing convener at City of Edinburgh Council, said: “I am delighted to be attending the official opening of the development at Leith Fort. This is the latest development to be opened following the Council’s coalition pledge to deliver 20,000 affordable and low-cost homes over the next ten years.

“We are very pleased to have worked with Port of Leith Housing Association to deliver these high-quality, modern homes modelled on the Edinburgh colonies concept. Of course, housing is so much more than buildings it’s about communities and this scheme has recognised that from the start. The local community have been engaged throughout the process and have been put at the heart of the project. They’ve had input into early designs, through planning, architectural work and the street naming process.

“I wish to congratulate everyone at the Council and Port of Leith involved in the success of the development and I wish residents all the very best in their new homes.”