West of Scotland Housing Association (WSHA), in conjunction with the Contracts division of Mactaggart & Mickel Group, is starting construction of Symington’s first affordable housing development.

The development will comprise of 34 affordable homes for rent as part of a wider new-build development. It will also see the construction of a 3,000 sq. ft. Co-operative retail store for the future benefit of the local community.

The affordable housing is being funded by the Scottish Government in partnership with South Ayrshire Council.

The development will showcase a mixture of property types suitable for the elderly, young people, families and those with restricted mobility. The development is due to be completed by early 2019.

Housing minister Kevin Stewart said: “Making sure everyone has a safe, warm and affordable home is central to our drive for a fairer and more prosperous Scotland and our ambition to deliver 50,000 affordable homes during the lifetime of this Parliament will help deliver this.

“I am therefore delighted that our support in partnership with South Ayrshire Council, will help to provide much needed affordable homes that will meet the needs of families, older people and those with mobility issues.

“The Symington development will not only bring positive benefits for the people who will live there but also to the wider community.”

Lynne Donnelly, chief executive officer, WSHA, added: “We are privileged to be working in partnership with Mactaggart & Mickel to deliver Symington’s first affordable housing development. These homes will be a fantastic addition to the community and will provide high-quality homes for families and individuals. WSHA is committed to providing housing that meets the needs of our tenants and this is demonstrated by the range of homes we will have at Symington. We look forward to welcoming our first tenants in 2019.”

Councillor Philip Saxton, South Ayrshire Council’s portfolio holder for housing and customer services, said: “We’ve made a commitment to build 1,000 new social houses in the next five years and this development is proof that real progress is already being made.

“So far, we’ve built 233 quality affordable houses, with more on the way, particularly in the high demand areas of Ayr, Prestwick and Troon.

“We’ll continue to work closely with Registered Social Landlords such as the West of Scotland Housing Association to deliver affordable housing which meets the needs of our communities.”

Jamie McLean, general manager of Mactaggart & Mickel Contracts division, added: “We have considerable expertise and an award-winning track record in creating desirable affordable homes of the highest quality. We are proud to work with West of Scotland Housing Association on this development which will also see the construction of a 3,000 sq ft Co-operative retail store for the future benefit of the local community.”

The Symington development is part of a wider growth strategy for WSHA which aims to build 500 affordable new homes over the next five years.