Edinburgh’s new Lord Provost, Councillor Frank Ross, was involved in some tree planting at an event officially opening Manor Estates Housing Association’s new £15 million development.

The 128-unit Sandilands Close development built in three distinct phases consists of 48 homes for social rent and 78 for mid-market letting.

Funded by CEC to the tune of £4.997m, and with private finance of £9m being provided by Santander, this mixed tenure development helps in part to address Edinburgh’s acute and growing housing shortage, where on average there are 158 bids for each council or RSL property becoming available for let.

Constructed by Persimmon Homes (East of Scotland), and with development services being provided by Dunedin Canmore Housing Association, the completion of these homes means that the Manor Estates Group now owns and manages 1100 homes throughout Edinburgh and Fife.

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Frank Ross, said: “The draw of Scotland’s capital city is only going to increase and we need think seriously about our housing needs over the next 10, 20, even 30 years’ time.

“Our City Vision initiative aims to provide the city with a clear, long-term plan to guide investment for the years to come. As part of this, we need to accelerate house building to provide the increase in affordable homes Edinburgh so desperately needs. I am delighted to see this strategic thinking is already in action with the opening of Sandilands Close.

“This development is a great example of collaboration between the public and private sectors and will provide excellent and affordable facilities for citizens now, and for many years to come. It has been a pleasure to officially open the site and I would like to thank and congratulate everyone involved.”

Nigel Hicks, Manor Estates Housing Association chairman, added: “Manor Estates is delighted to cement its place as one of the leading social housing providers in Edinburgh. We hope that the new tenants now housed in their safe, warm, affordable and sustainable property will create a new home for themselves and their families.”