Being delivered by construction company CCG (Scotland) Ltd, the project comprises 39 one and two-bedroom flats on a long derelict site on Peebles Street. Once complete, the new residents will benefit from car parking facilities and a central landscaped courtyard, as well as local access to train and bus stops and cycle path facilities.

To commemorate the site start, Ayrshire Housing and CCG were met by representatives of South Ayrshire Council to break ground on what is an important project for the town.

Rhonda Leith, Ayrshire Housing’s chair, said: “We’ve been looking to develop this key site for over ten years. I’m pleased that our partnership with CCG has at last made this possible. We’re delighted with the positive approach of CCG and their architects LMA to meeting the association’s requirements.

“We should also thank South Ayrshire Council and the Scottish Government for providing the substantial grant which will allow us to let the houses at affordable rents.”

CCG will utilise ‘offsite’ construction methods for the build whereby the firm will manufacture and assemble a panelised timber frame system ‘offsite’ in their bespoke offsite manufacturing facility, CCG OSM, in Cambuslang. Wall panels are then transported to site complete with insulation, internal wall linings, windows and doors pre-installed.

Calum Murray, director of CCG, said: “CCG is delighted to be on site with Ayrshire Housing to deliver much-needed affordable housing to the town of Ayr.

“By using offsite methods of construction, CCG is able to ensure the highest quality standard as semi-automated conditions offer enhanced levels of consistency and accuracy as well as improved levels of environmental performance - a key advantage for future residents in reducing energy bills. When on site, the use of our system offers a much faster speed of build when compared to traditional methods which will reduce the impact of works on the town centre location.”

CCG will also work with Ayr Housing to deliver job and training opportunities for the local community as well as working with local schools and colleges to provide curriculum support.