Two new affordable housing developments in Falkirk have been officially opened by Falkirk Council’s convener for housing, Councillor Gerry Goldie.

The Link developments, at Hazel Road, Banknock and Falkirk Road, Bonnybridge, were both built by Cruden Building and Renewal Limited and consist of properties for social, intermediate and market rent.

The £3.4 million Hazel Road development of 30 homes for social rent attracted £1.9m funding from the Scottish Government and includes two bungalows designed to meet the needs of wheelchair users.

The £4m Falkirk Road development of 35 homes for social, intermediate and market rent secured £1.2m funding from the Scottish Government and is the first development within the Falkirk Council area that includes properties for Market Rent.

As part of the contract at Falkirk Road, Crudens also provided four work-experience placements, employed 10 existing apprentices on the project and created four new jobs as part of its Community Benefit commitment.

These new homes, plus Link’s development at Kinnaird Park, Bellsdyke, makes a total of 142 new homes for social, intermediate and market rent which Link has delivered in Falkirk during the past five years.

Link Group chairman, Roy Stirrat, said: “We are delighted to have been supported by the Scottish Government and Falkirk Council to enable us to continue to build these new, high quality homes. We are continuing to work with the council to help play a part in the area’s regeneration.”

Councillor Goldie said: “This is another first class example of the co-operation between Link Housing Association, Falkirk Council and the Scottish Government reacting to the shortfall of public sector housing across Scotland. Link and Falkirk Council have, for a significant time, brought partnership working to a meaningful and beneficial conclusion to people who are on housing waiting lists.”

Allan Callaghan, managing director, Cruden Building & Renewals, added: “We have a long standing partnership with Link, we were pleased to work together to deliver these high quality homes for the local communities. Both developments involved off site manufacturing techniques which meant the build process was quicker and more efficient. These developments have also given 18 people great career opportunities between work placements, apprenticeships and the creation of new jobs. We look forward to working with Link again in the future.”