Council tenants and residents in Timmergreens were consulted on proposals to improve the environment and quality of life in the area last summer.

There was overwhelming support for the draft programme, which was approved by the council’s communities committee in August 2017. Since then, the council has been re-housing the tenants of properties earmarked for demolition.

As this work is taking place, Angus Council is working in partnership with CCG (Scotland) Ltd to deliver up to 125 modern, energy efficient homes in a four-year programme utilising some of the most modern, efficient and effective building techniques that will offer tenant great value for money and highly energy efficient homes. CCG is working with Oliver and Robb Architects and the council to further develop proposals for the area’s enhancement.

This includes sites at Emislaw Drive, Spitalfield Place, Newton Avenue and Crescent, Fraser Path and Muirton Road. A pre-construction service contract provided a procurement route delivered through the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) NH1 New Housing Framework.

Housing spokesperson Councillor Craig Fotheringham said: “Council properties in Timmergreens have suffered from low demand for years due to their dated design and historic, 1960s building methods, which, as time and tastes have moved on, have made these properties unpopular, especially in comparison to modern build homes. This is not sustainable in the long term and we are determined to deliver properties that meet tenants and residents expectations.”

Angus Council’s communities convener, Cllr Mark Salmond, said: “The council really appreciates the time and effort that local residents have put into the process. They have ensured that issues such as site layout, parking and use of parkland can all be fully discussed and considered, while maintaining the focus on delivering a considerable number of high quality affordable housing units.

“We are confident that this project will make a significant contribution to our Vision for Angus being a great place to live, work and visit. It will make a real difference to the lives of our tenants in Arbroath and help to create a place they are proud to call home.”

Feedback from local residents on the Emislaw Drive/Spitalfield Place site has helped to shape the final plans for the first site to be submitted for planning approval this month.

CCG director, Calum Murray, said: “CCG is delighted to be working in partnership with Angus Council on what is a hugely important project for Arbroath and the Timmergreens community. Our experience in large-scale urban regeneration will ensure that the master plan will have the community at its heart, as well as delivering to a high-quality standard with enhanced levels of environmental performance.

“Further, as part of this regeneration, we will also bring opportunities to Timmergreens in the form of full-time employment, apprenticeships and training, as well as community investment.”