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north ayrshire council

Provost opens £8.2m council housing development in Irvine

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Article Tags:
north ayrshire council

John Galt development
Provost Joan Sturgeon joins guests and Woodland Primary School’s ‘Eco Committee’ at official opening of John Galt housing development

North Ayrshire Council’s largest ever affordable housing development has been formally opened by Provost Joan Sturgeon.

The £8.2 million John Galt development in Irvine features 80 high quality new homes including properties for older people, wheelchair users and families with specialist requirements.

The project marks the latest phase of the council’s ambitious housing programme, reaffirming its commitment to providing the highest quality accommodation to meet the needs of local residents – a key aspect of the council’s Local Housing Strategy.

A total of eight trainees and two apprentice joiners were taken on by the contractor Cruden Buildings and Renewals over the course of the project.

North Ayrshire Council received £3.68m in Scottish Government funding for the development, following a successful bid to the National Housing Grant Subsidy.

The homes incorporate a number of sustainable and energy efficient elements, as well as design features that support independent living. These include:

  • Thermal and sound insulation and double glazed windows to maintain heat and reduce noise

  • Water saving electric showers and reduced flow taps

  • Ground floor stores designed to be easily converted to an accessible shower rooms

  • Independent living features including level access, accessible sockets and switches, and the provision for future ceiling hoists to be installed

  • Adjustable height kitchen units and covered car ports for wheelchair accessible homes

    • The development has already achieved BREEAM’s ‘EcoHomes – Very Good’ accreditation and also Scottish Building Standards ‘Bronze’ award for sustainability.

    Pupils from Woodlands Primary School’s ‘Eco Committee’ joined in on the day by seeding the wildflower meadow that forms part of the site.

    Opening the development, Provost Joan Sturgeon, said: “I am absolutely delighted to open the latest phase in our affordable housing programme.

    “Once again we have demonstrated our commitment to providing housing that meets the needs of North Ayrshire residents.”

    Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for place, added: “The John Galt development features high quality housing that supports independent living and reduced energy bills.

    “We recognise that Irvine is an area which has a need for affordable housing, and this latest development allows us to make real inroads to address this issue.

    “Our focus on community benefits is also a major part of the project, with eight trainees and two apprentices getting the opportunity to work with the contractor and develop their skills within the construction industry.

    “The John Galt development will meet the needs of tenants while reduce living costs now and into the future.”

    @North_Ayrshire

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