Aberdeen City Council is investing £13 million in a major development of 99 modern homes at the former Smithfield Primary School site in the Middlefield area of the city.

The completion of the first home marks a key milestone in the local authority’s objectives to roll out thousands of new, affordable houses in the next two years.

Construction on phase one, which includes a further 11 homes, is expected to be complete in May when the council will be a position to offer them to tenants as part of their housing portfolio over the summer period.

Aberdeen City Council leader, Councillor Jenny Laing, said: “This flagship project is developing contemporary, all-purpose homes for residents in our city who are struggling to meet private rents and who are struggling to find suitable accommodation.

“Our firm commitment to investing in our housing portfolio will not just ensure Aberdeen can offer comfortable, modern homes for those seeking to build lives here, it will also rejuvenate existing communities who will benefit from new infrastructure and the regeneration which accompanies such investment.

“We have been at a crossroads in Aberdeen for some time, particularly where the availability of housing is concerned, but projects like this beginning over the next two years, will begin to shape our city for the future generations that follow

The Smithfield Development will offer a mix of homes including semi-detached and detached properties of up to four bedrooms and one- and two-bedroom apartments.

Work is underway on the remaining homes which will be constructed in phases over the next year.

The development will also include open green spaces with access to what will be a revamped play park opposite the site.

The homes, which have been designed by North-east firm Lippe Architects and constructed by CHAP Construction, are bright, spacious and cater for families of all sizes and needs.

They will also be joined up to Aberdeen City Council’s Combined Heat and Power Scheme which has proven immensely successful in tackling fuel poverty and reducing carbon omissions.

Work is also progressing on the nearby Manor Walk site on which Aberdeen City Council are building a further 80 homes.