The largest development of affordable homes for social and mid-market rent in the Portobello area in over a decade was officially opened by Ash Denham SNP MSP for Edinburgh Eastern, and minister for community safety, last week.

Fishwives Causeway in Baileyfield, Portobello, is the latest development from Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) and its subsidiary company Persevere Developments Limited (PDL), providing 52 high quality homes, including 28 homes for social rent and 24 for mid-market rent.

Although Port of Leith Housing Association already manages both social and mid-market rent housing in the area, according to City of Edinburgh Council records, it has been at least 13 years since new homes for social rent were created in Portobello.

Keith Anderson, chief executive, Port of Leith Housing Association, said: “We are extremely pleased to have completed these great new homes. Given that it has been over a decade since new social housing was built in Portobello, Fishwives Causeway is addressing a pressing need for affordable homes in the area. We feel proud to be giving people the opportunity to live in these high-quality, energy-efficient homes in a fantastic location.”

Ash Denham MSP said: “I am delighted that Port of Leith Housing Association are providing this much needed new development for local residents in Portobello. The mix of housing offers a great variety of living options with a food store and new park, and it is brilliant to see one of the new homes fully adapted to support those with physical and sensory impairments.”

One of the homes has been fully adapted for rent by Visualise Scotland, an Edinburgh-based charity which provides residential support to adults with physical and sensory impairments, learning difficulties and complex communication needs.

Sinead McMillan, the sister of Ryan who has moved into the property, said: “We appreciate that Port of Leith Housing Association has given our brother Ryan’s care provider, Visualise, an amazing opportunity to take on a stunning flat. This has given Ryan not only a beautiful new home but it has allowed him to have his own freedom and independence living in a great location. The flat itself is wonderfully set up and gives all the disabled access needed. It also offers an outdoor space to enjoy. All this combined is giving Ryan the best quality of life and this as a family is priceless to us.”

Fishwives Causeway is situated by the site of a former clay pit and the design of the development draws on various aspects of the historic environment of Portobello.

The main contractor for the £6.13 million development was Cruden Property Developments and the architect was 7N Architects. It was funded by a combination of private finance raised by PoLHA and an Affordable Housing Supply Programme Grant of £2.8 million.