One of Scotland’s largest housing and care providers for older people marked their continued commitment to invest in new affordable homes by celebrating the start of construction works on their new site in Edinburgh with a formal sod cutting ceremony.

Bield’s development at Fleming Place, located on the site of the former Eastern General Hospital, will create 40 apartments for peopled aged 50 and over, providing social housing for rent for up to 106 people.

Working in partnership with J Smart & Company, the total projected cost of the development is £4.92 million with an expected completion date of February 2018.

Gerry O’Sullivan, chair of Bield, said: “We’re delighted to see the first pieces of the project falling into place as we play our part in ensuring that Scotland leads the way in providing affordable, quality homes.

“The development has been made possible with the help of £2.22 million of Scottish Government funding, managed and administered with help from the City of Edinburgh Council.

“In these difficult economic times, it is a good example of what can be achieved by greater partnerships between the private and public sectors. It means Bield have been able to continue to deliver new affordable housing which meets the needs of the older people of Edinburgh.”

The properties at Fleming Place will provide tenants with all the high quality features that are typical in a Bield property. With a focus on being ‘barrier free’ with level access shower rooms and enhanced security, these apartments will offer the highest level of independent living in line with Bield’s ‘Free to Be’ ethos.

Councillor Cammy Day, housing leader for the City of Edinburgh Council, who was present at the ceremony, said: “It’s great to see work starting on yet another site for affordable homes in the Capital. This new development continues the council’s positive partnership with Bield to deliver quality homes for older people.

“These properties are not only a welcome contribution to our target of building 16,000 homes over the next ten years but will, just as importantly, make a real difference to the lives of those tenants who move in as it will help them to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible.”

Overlooking Craigentinny Golf Course and the Firth of Forth, these comfortable homes to rent will offer a peaceful place to stay with easy bus access to both Portobello and the city centre.

Following the sod cutting ceremony, guests were invited to attend an afternoon tea at the nearby Seagrove Centre which is home to the North Edinburgh Dementia Centre who offered up their facilities for visitors to enjoy.