Osprey Housing Moray is celebrating a double first with its new £1.23 million development in Moray.

Tenants have moved into Osprey’s recently completed rented homes in Fochabers, the housing association’s first ever new build development in the town. The official opening of the development also marks Osprey’s first partnership with Moray Council to provide supported housing for local residents with particular needs.

The opening ceremony has just taken place at the Castle Avenue site, with the Osprey development comprising a mix of one, three and four bed properties.

Osprey chief executive Glenn Adcook said: “This has been a model project in terms of the collaboration with our key partners. We have worked closely with Moray Council to develop and provide the type of housing they require. We agreed to commit additional funding to the development in order to ensure provision of homes and facilities that has allowed residents, who might otherwise have had to relocate elsewhere, to stay in Fochabers.

“This is clear evidence of how important housing is to health and social care integration and housing needs to play a more prominent role. The developer, Morlich Homes, has provided superb, high quality new housing and I’d like to acknowledge the part played by the Scottish Government who contributed £813,000 of grant funding to support the project. I’d also like to thank our funder, Bank of Scotland.”

The development was officially opened by Barry Jarvis, a former board member of Osprey Moray, who had earlier in the day been formally recognised by the Osprey Group for his previous contribution as chairman and his dedicated service to Moray Housing Partnership, before it became Osprey Moray.

Barry said: “I’m very proud indeed to open this stunning development. This is a perfect example of partnership working for the benefit of local residents and I’d like to congratulate all involved.”

“These high quality, modern, and sustainable affordable homes will be an asset to Fochabers”

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart added: “These high quality, modern, and sustainable affordable homes will be an asset to Fochabers. Supported by Scottish Government funding, this development is providing affordable housing to people with particular support needs ensuring they can stay in their local community and also reduce living costs such as heating.

“We are committed to delivering at least 50,000 affordable homes over this Parliament, and ensuring they meet the needs of people and communities across Scotland – backed by £3 billion of investment. Working together with housing associations and councils, we are on target to reach that ambition.”

Moray Council’s head of housing and property, Richard Anderson, said he was pleased to see the properties being occupied: “This is a great example of how partnership working can provide opportunities for vulnerable residents in Moray to enjoy independent living within their own communities.”

Osprey Moray has provided 10 properties at the site consisting of four one-bed flats, four three-bed semi-detached houses and two four-bed detached homes.

John Main, managing director of Morlich Homes, said: “I’m delighted to have worked closely with Osprey Moray to help address housing needs in the local area. This is a high quality development and I look forward to collaborating with them again in the future.”

Mr Adcook added: “These are highly energy efficient rented homes, built to a superb standard and enjoy level access footpaths and activity spaces. This is a great place to live and we’re delighted to provide much needed affordable housing in the area.”