The Cove development, constructed by Stewart Milne Homes and situated with picturesque views overlooking the sea at Falkland Avenue, represents a significant boost to Aberdeen’s provision of affordable housing.

Accompanied by a delegation of representatives including Angela Linton, chief executive of Hillcrest, and Neil Thomson, deputy managing director of Stewart Milne Homes Scotland, Mr McLennan undertook a comprehensive tour of the new development.

Comprising a total of 167 homes, the development offers a range of housing types designed to meet the requirements of various households. This includes two, three and four-bedroom houses as well as one two and three-bedroom apartments, ensuring that a broad spectrum of housing needs are met within the community.

The development was delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government, who provided £11.6 million of funding towards the £20.4m total cost of the development.

Of the 167 homes delivered, 123 have been designated for social rent. This significant contribution to Aberdeen’s social rent housing stock will undoubtedly boost the provision of high-quality homes for those in housing need. In addition, 44 of the homes have been designed for mid-market rent, a solution that bridges the gap between social and private rent, ensuring affordability for individuals who may find it challenging to meet the costs of private rent or homeownership.

Addressing accessibility and adaptability, the development includes a number of homes specially designed for wheelchair accessibility. Properties have also been designed to accommodate the needs of future tenants with mobility issues, with features such as pre-installed plumbing in specially designed downstairs areas that easily allow for future modifications to create accessible shower rooms.

Housing minister Paul McLennan said: “The right to a warm, safe and affordable home is critical to wellbeing and is a right everyone deserves. Hillcrest plays a valuable role in increasing the range of housing available to rent throughout Scotland, and I was delighted to see this development, which the Scottish Government has supported with £11.6m of funding. This funding has enabled Hillcrest to provide 167 high quality, energy efficient homes in Aberdeen.

“High quality housing is a key pillar of Housing to 2040, whilst also eradicating fuel poverty and homelessness and ensuring everyone has access to green space and essential services. Hillcrest plays a key role in building high-quality homes and I welcome these new affordable houses in Aberdeen.”

Hillcrest chief executive Angela Linton added: “Still being relatively new to the Grampian area, we’re delighted to be offering more high-quality homes for the region.

“We’ve developed these homes with a variety of housing needs in mind, and along with the convenient and picturesque location of the development, these properties will no doubt be a fantastic addition to Aberdeen’s affordable housing stock.”

Neil Thomson of Stewart Milne Homes Scotland added: “We’re pleased to have partnered with Hillcrest on this development which is playing a significant role in addressing the shortage of affordable homes in this community. It means that those who want to remain in or live in Cove have more options to do so. This development continues our successful partnership with Hillcrest that has allowed the delivery together of almost 550 much needed affordable homes across Aberdeen in the last five years.”

Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee convener Councillor Miranda Radley said: “We are delighted to have welcomed Mr McLennan to Aberdeen to see the fantastic progress that has been made towards the creation of new affordable homes in Cove.

“Aberdeen’s housing stock is continuously improving, and it has been great to work alongside Hillcrest and Stewart Milne Homes in bringing more affordable social housing to the city.”