The four-storey block at 6 Milne Street is made up of eight new flats, including accommodation specifically designed for wheelchair users and people with specific needs.

The block, which consists of four 1-bed flats and four 2-bed properties, was formerly the site of a disused church.

The ground floor flats are wheelchair accessible, with wet rooms, an open plan layout and general supported living adaptations.

One of the main aims of the Perth and Kinross Council Local Housing Strategy is to support people to live independently in their own homes, which is what people have told us they want. People who have a disability or other specific needs often need suitable accommodation and support to live independently. These new high-quality flats will empower tenants to live healthy and active lives.

The block also has a bike store, drying area and bin stores to the rear, as well as controlled door entry off the street.

The development was funded in partnership by Perth & Kinross Council and the Scottish Government, and delivered by our construction partner CCG Scotland Ltd.

Milne Street is the latest development delivered through Perth & Kinross Council’s multi-million-pound building programme, which has seen well over 300 new Council homes built for tenants since 2012. Our work supporting new builds through our local Housing Association partners has seen a total of almost 1,400 new affordable homes delivered across Perth and Kinross, all built to the highest standards in areas where there is a shortage of affordable housing.

Councillor Bob Brawn, housing and communities convener, visited the block and said: “These new flats will provide affordable one and two-bed accommodation for people right in the heart of Perth. I’m particularly delighted that the ground-floor flats are suitable for people with a disability. It’s important that we consider the needs of everyone when we are making plans for new housing.”

Councillor Chris Ahern, vice convener, added: “The new block looks fantastic and will be a welcome addition to this conservation area in the centre of our city, and to our affordable housing stock. I’m sure the tenants who are moving in will enjoy living in these high-quality homes.”

CCG Director, John Baggley, commented: “Milne Street was a small yet challenging development. It is not easy to minimise the impact of construction in such a busy town centre. However, our site team have to be commended as they operated with the utmost professionalism for the duration of the programme despite the unprecedented circumstances of the last year. The quality of workmanship is of the highest standard.

“On behalf of CCG, I thank Perth & Kinross Council for their continued support throughout the programme. We will soon be handing over the remaining properties on a second development - the former Glebe Primary School in Scone - within the coming weeks and we look forward to working with Perth & Kinross Council again in the future.”

Since 2012 Perth & Kinross Council’s house building programme has delivered new homes in the towns and settlements right across the region, including Methven, Scone, Alyth, Inchture, Stanley. Blairgowrie, Meigle, Auchterarder, Balbeggie, Rattray and in many sites in Perth.

More new builds are in the pipeline including at Glebe in Scone. Due for completion soon, Glebe will be the biggest single build of council homes Perth and Kinross has seen in 40 years.