Both being built on the site of former council lock-ups, the developments at Nimmo Avenue and Cairns Crescent in Perth are part of the council’s programme to build new high-quality affordable social housing.

The Nimmo Avenue build is being delivered in two phases. Phase 1 consists of 10 flats (five 1-bedroomed bed wheelchair-accessible flats and five 1-bedroomed standard apartments). Eight of the 10 flats have recently been completed and the remaining two will be finished later this month.

The second phase comprises of six flats (two 2-bedroomed and four 1-bedroomed flats) which will be completed in August 2017.

Eight flats at Cairns Crescent, four 1-bedroomed wheelchair accessible flats and four one-bedroomed standard flats are due to for completion by the end of July 2017.

All of the properties are built to the highest standard with triple-glazed windows and doors provided by local contractor Sidey. The main contactor of both builds is CCG of Glasgow.

Councillor Barrett said: “Both of these builds have transformed unsightly lock-up sites into light and bright housing that will provide much-needed affordable accommodation for local people and also enhance the local neighbourhood.

“The new high-quality flats will give homes to new tenants with a range of accommodation needs. Both builds have ground floor accessible properties for wheelchairs and people with other mobility needs, which will be a valuable addition to the councils housing stock.”

Housing and communities vice convenor, Cllr Harry Coates, said: “The flats are brilliant I am delighted with the results. These properties will transform the lives of the people who live in them, and the developments represent a significant investment by the council in these local communities.

Cllr Barrett concluded the site visit adding: “Delivering more affordable housing for people across Perth and Kinross is a top priority for me. I will be actively supporting the housing service in their efforts to identify more sites for development and to step up the number of new council houses that we build.”

Calum Murray, director of CCG (Scotland) Ltd, added: “This year we’ve really expanded the geographical reach of our work enabling us to launch a positive relationship with Perth & Kinross Council on this development.

“We look forward to completing phase 2 of this project and continuing our work in the area to provide environmentally efficient, cost effective homes that meet the needs of modern day living and help meet local and national housing targets.”

The project is the first of its kind to be completed through the Scottish Procurement Alliance’s (SPA) Offsite Construction of New Homes framework. The SPA are public sector procurement specialists focused on construction and refurbishment, which exclusively addresses Scottish needs, standards and aspirations.

Clive Feeney, chief officer of SPA, said: “We are delighted to see the first project completed through our Offsite Construction of New Homes framework.

“The project demonstrates how we are working with CCG and Perth & Kinross Council to deliver social value from procurement and positive outcomes for Scottish communities.”