Robertson Partnership Homes has this month started work on a development at Derby Street that will bring 163 new homes to the city.

The Derby Street development, a partnership between Hillcrest Housing Association and Dundee City Council, will address the need for affordable housing in the city.

David Zwirlein, Hillcrest Housing Association director of development and new business, explained: “Not only will the homes be good quality and affordable, they will be energy efficient and meet a range of housing needs.

“A mixture of flats and houses as well as social and mid-market rent means we will deliver a development which addresses the shortage of affordable rented housing in the city.”

Stewart Shearer, Robertson Partnership Homes’ managing director, said: “The new affordable homes being built at Derby Street will make a significant difference to residents in Hilltown and we are pleased to be leading the project as main contractor. Construction work is now underway and we will be working closely with Dundee City Council and Hillcrest Housing Association throughout, as well as engaging with the local community.

“Once complete, we firmly believe Derby Street will be among the finest affordable housing projects ever seen in Scotland.”

Dundee City Council’s neighbourhood services convenor, Kevin Cordell, said: “This start on the £26 million development at Derby Street continues the Council’s commitment to the regeneration of the Hilltown following on from the new affordable housing and new schools at Alexander Street.

“There has been extensive consultation with the local community in developing the proposals, the community is very supportive of the development and will be pleased to now see this starting on site.

“The project will provide much needed affordable housing within the Hilltown and the new residents will create new demands for businesses in the area.”

Work is now underway and the estimated completed date for the development is December 2020.