The beginning of a development which will deliver over 200 new homes, around half of which will be affordable, was marked yesterday at a site in Perth.

Regeneration development expert Urban Union, in partnership with Caledonia Housing Association and Fairfield Housing Co-operative, broke the soil with a gold spade with the help of Councillor Dave Doogan, housing and health convener for Perth & Kinross Council.

An audience of local councillors and representatives from the surrounding schools were also in attendance to support the occasion.

The site, next to the original St Johnstone F.C. home ground at Muirton, will welcome 203 new houses, including 102 affordable homes and 101 for private sale.

Neil McKay, managing director of Urban Union, said: “We are very excited to have started work on this next and final phase of the Muirton development and I’d like to thank Councillor Doogan and everyone from the local community who has helped support this project so far.

“Our vision for this development is one which will incorporate the character and strengths of the local area and help create a place of community in which residents will feel a sense of pride.

“As we enter this next stage, we aim to make sure the development adds value to the area in terms of both employment and training opportunities as well as a robust community engagement programme. So, not only will Muirton be a great place to call home but also an exciting place to live.”

Councillor Dave Doogan added: “The regeneration of Muirton has been a priority for the Council over the last decade, and the work we have done with partner organisations during that time has totally transformed the area into a desirable area that people enjoy living in. The delivery of this final phase follows directly on from the recent transformation of the Muirton shops which will now be perfectly framed by these excellent new homes.

“In addition to the regeneration work that has already been carried out, this new high quality, affordable social housing will be a valuable addition to the area, contributing much needed accommodation and adding vibrancy to the community.

“I’m delighted to see the final phase of the regeneration underway. It will provide much needed affordable social housing, and transform the lives of the residents who will enjoy these new homes.”

The multi-million pound project was granted planning approval by Perth & Kinross Council in July 2016, with Urban Union appointed by Caledonia Housing Association to deliver the new homes.

The development will offer a wide range of accommodation types with one, two, three and four bedroom properties available. Each property comes with either private or shared gardens alongside attractive outdoor space and car parking facilities.

The new community will form an important part of the regeneration of the site at Muirton and follows extensive community engagement in the development of the master plans.

Julie Cosgrove, chief executive at Caledonia Housing Association, said: “We are delighted to commemorate the official start of the final stage of the Muirton redevelopment today. It is fantastic to see work underway and we would like to thank the community of Muirton and our partners, Perth & Kinross Council, Fairfield and Urban Union, for their invaluable contributions and support in driving this project forward.”

Grant Ager, chief executive at Fairfield Housing Co-operative, added: “Fairfield are proud to see this milestone being reached; having been involved in the project for over a decade it’s rewarding to see the fruition of the master plan created by the Muirton community all those years ago.

“The area has changed completely and is now a highly desirable place to stay. The partnership approach adopted by Fairfield, Caledonia, Perth & Kinross Council and the Scottish Government has been highly effective and we have great confidence in Urban Union in not only completing Muirton Park but giving the added value that large-scale construction affords in employment and training.”

The project is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2018.