Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) has announced plans to invest £24.5 million in its existing stock and its new build programme during 2018/19.

The budget approved by ACHA’s Board will invest £16.2m in the Association’s existing 5,150 homes and £8.2m in building new homes.

The investment in ACHA’s existing homes will cover capital investment of £10.5m, day to day repairs at £3.8m, planned maintenance of £1.6m and aids and adaptations work of £315,000. In terms of capital investment, the Association will prioritise energy efficiency investment in existing homes and a continuing programme of heating and rewire and window and door installation.

The Association’s new build programme will continue to provide homes in Oban, Connel, North Connel, Islay and Helensburgh with plans in place to also build in Inveraray and Garelochhead. The 2018/19 new build programme is part of the Association’s ongoing partnership with Argyll and Bute Council and the Scottish Government to build 250 new homes in Argyll and Bute by 2021.

The Association will also invest £350k in information technology to improve service provision to the Association’s tenants.

Alastair MacGregor, ACHA’s chief executive, said: “The Association’s 2018/19 budget will invest in both our existing stock and in providing new homes to meet housing need. Our plans are about more than bricks and mortar. The Association’s investment plans of £24.5m will support jobs, apprentices and the supply chain in Argyll and Bute.

“The Association is committed to providing the best we can in terms of modernity and energy efficiency in our existing homes. Through our new build programme we want to tackle housing need where it exists in communities up and down Argyll and Bute.”