Following demolition of the former care home and a competitive tender process, Ark Housing Association has appointed Connect Modular as the main contractor for the redevelopment of the brownfield infill site.

Connect Modular delivers volumetric modular construction and will build the homes at their manufacturing facility in Cumnock, Ayrshire.

The houses will be transported to the site with approximately 90% of the construction work already completed, significantly reducing disruption to the local community. This method also offers numerous environmental benefits and ensures the new homes are delivered to exacting quality standards.

The development will provide two one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom cottage flats for social rent, designed to fit with the local context and retain an area of open space. Each new home will also benefit from air source heat pumps and PV panels.

Jennifer Higgins, CEO at Connect Modular, said: “We are thrilled to have been appointed by Ark Housing Association on this exciting development and demonstrate the advantages of our volumetric modular construction process to overcome challenges of redeveloping brownfield, infill sites.

“We are proud to progress our first development in Midlothian and deliver much-needed housing opportunities for the local community in Penicuik.”

Caryn Innes, Ark’s director of development and customer experience, said: “We have been working closely with Connect Modular over the last few months to finalise development proposals for this site, and we’re excited to be moving forward to a site start in late summer.

“Connect Modular’s volumetric modular construction process provides a fantastic delivery model for this restricted site. The off-site construction and associated reduced on-site construction programme will minimise disruption in the local area.

“We’d like to thank the Scottish Government for providing over £1.5m in support of the project through a combination of direct grant and a donation from its Charitable Bonds programme.

“When complete, the new energy efficient homes, will provide much needed affordable housing in the Penicuik area.”

With planning permission granted, works for the development will commence this summer and the new homes are slated for handover to residents during the winter months.