Work has been completed on the new £1.8 million SBHA housing development at Rose Court in Langlee, which was handed over by Hart Builders and agents Eildon Housing on December 14.

The striking crescent-shaped development of 10 new 3-bed family homes replaced a block of maisonettes which was knocked down in 2015. As well as dedicated parking and gardens, the houses are highly energy efficient and will be affordable to heat.

SBHA customer services director, Henry Coyle, said: “We know that warm, affordable housing is in high demand across the Borders and family homes are much needed in Galashiels. This is a highly desirable development, situated in an elevated position and arranged in an innovative crescent shape with large windows which take full advantage of beautiful views of the Eildon Hills. This was a challenging site and we are really pleased to have completed the build as planned, and in time to allow people to move in before Christmas.”

SBHA chief executive, Julia Mulloy, said: “We are delighted to welcome new residents to Rose Court, and I wish them every success at this exciting time. Rose Court is another positive for partnership working, following on from an award-winning year for our Stonefield regeneration project in Hawick.

“We are contributing the Scottish Government’s 50,000 new homes target and I would like to thank our partners, Scottish Borders Council, the Scottish Government, Harts and Eildon. I would also like to thank the Langlee Residents Association and the local community for helping us to make this a great place to live.”

Judith Cleghorn, chair of Galashiels Community Council, added: “On behalf of the Langlee Residents Association and the Galashiels Community Council, I am delighted to see these bright, modern houses in Rose Court, and would like to thank SBHA for keeping us up to date with progress.”

The build has also benefited the wider community, with builders Harts employing a local young person as an Apprentice. Earlier this year the build featured in a Developing the Young Workforce video which showcased careers in construction.

SBHA’s programme of investment continues with its Planned Maintenance Programme, which delivers concentrated investment in two areas each year, covering the whole of SBHA’s stock over a six-year period. In the next financial year, the Programme will move to Langlee, investing £2.3m in delivering new kitchens, bathrooms, windows, doors and heating systems, as well as neighbourhood and environmental improvements.