The homes were built by the East Ayrshire Council and its strategic developer, CCG (Scotland), on the site of the former Silverwood Primary School and were specially designed to meet a range of needs and requirements of the local community.

The development includes two-bed homes designed to meet the needs of wheelchair users, two-bed homes for older/ ambulant disabled residents, two-bed terraced homes, three-bed homes, four-bed homes, one five-bed bungalow and one eight-bed home designed for a wheelchair user.

Councillor Douglas Reid, leader of the council and Councillor Jim McMahon, council spokesperson for Housing, Transport and Communities were joined by local members Councillors Graham Barton and Graham Boyd, and Councillor Linda Mabon.

Councillor McMahon said: “It was fantastic to visit our new development on Kennedy Drive, which is ambitious and designed to meet the needs of local people. The homes have been carefully considered and the development includes attractive green spaces.

“Kennedy Drive is also the council’s third net zero project with full consideration being given to low carbon technologies. This includes the installation of Air Source Heat Pumps instead of gas boilers, the use of Scottish products and materials wherever possible to reduce transport energy and solar panels installed on all roof spaces.

“These homes are life changing for local people. They really suit the local area but more importantly they have been designed to meet net zero regulations, helping to lower fuel bills and also are specially designed to meet community care needs of local people.”

CCG managing director, David Wylie, added: “Kennedy Drive is the twelfth development CCG has delivered on behalf of East Ayrshire Council since 2017. This is a remarkable achievement, and a result of a fostered approach to collaboration and partnership working. Without it and the efforts of our much-valued design team partners, we would not have been able to help so many people across the region, such as the residents I was delighted to meet in Kilmarnock.

“The homes have been constructed to the ‘CCG Net Zero Home’ build standard. Launched in 2021, East Ayrshire Council was an early adopter of what is now one of the most advanced building standards available in Scotland, and they, alongside tenants, will reap the rewards with three developments and over 80 homes that are future-proofed to emerging build standards and will significantly tackle fuel poverty.

“During our time on-site at Kennedy Drive, we also worked proactively with the council to ensure quality standards were met as well as undertaking key, localised initiatives, including creating two jobs, two work placements, and donating £11,500 to community-based projects.

“We extend our thanks to the council for their many years of support and look forward to working with them again in the future.”

The project is being developed with £5.147 million of grant funding from the Scottish Government and will contribute to their target of delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.