This week marked the completion of the works, and keys will be handed over to new tenants in the next few days.

Along with other DGHP representatives, funders, local councillors and contractors, the development in Dumfries was unveiled as tenants prepared to move in to the properties.

The three 4-bedroom townhouses were built for DGHP by contractors Ashleigh Scotland and designed by Robert Potters & Partners; McGowan Miller and Asher Associates.

The development, which is of Gold Standard in terms of sustainability and energy efficiency, was part funded by Scottish Government and Dumfries and Galloway Council grants.

The development is made up of three 4-bedroom townhouses and feature many energy efficiency features, including thermal solar panels, photovoltaics, triple glazing, waste water recovery, noise reduction measures as well as bike shelters and mobility scooter charging points.

Bill Robertson, vice chairman of DGHP, said: “This is an outstanding development in the heart of Dumfries town centre. It was excellent to see the properties feature many energy efficiency features and they are an excellent example of how DGHP is providing good quality homes for tenants for the future.”

Robert Higgins, DGHP chairman, added: “All of the properties are completed to a high standard, all achieving the gold standard when it comes to energy efficiency. In addition we are delighted to say that the development was also awarded the prestigious Secured by Design Gold Standard for security measures incorporated into the design and build of the homes.

“I’d like to thank the Scottish Government and Dumfries and Galloway Council for their financial contribution to the development, which has allowed us to offer these fabulous townhouses in Dumfries town centre. I hope the tenants who move in will be very happy.”

David Roan, area director at Ashleigh Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have been involved with the three new properties at Queen Street.

“DGHP have worked wonders here transforming this area of Queen Street and the quality of materials selected by DGHP, and the local design team, have ensured that the whole development completely blends in with the surrounding area.”

Andy Ferguson, chair of the Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Communities committee, said: “I am pleased to see this development at Queen Street come to fruition. The development of new, affordable housing is a commitment in our council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP).

“This development completes another piece in the regeneration jigsaw as it featured in our regeneration masterplan, so I am happy that we have delivered on another of our commitments. This development has utilised a brown site in our town centre which was derelict just a year ago. It also builds on other successes on Queen Street, such as the community garden and helps to recognise the street as a gateway to our town centre.”

John Martin, vice chair of the council’s communities committee, added: “These homes have been built to ‘Gold Standard’ recognising the highest energy efficiency standards, which will ensure tenants do not fall into fuel poverty. They have been built in partnership with a local construction company, helping to support local employment in the area as well as boost the local economy.

“I am in no doubt that we need more affordable housing throughout Dumfries and Galloway and I’m particularly pleased to see a development of this size in our town centre. I look forward to even more affordable, quality homes becoming available throughout the region.”