The start of a new development of affordable housing in central Alexandria was marked by a ‘sod cutting’ ceremony last week.

Caledonia Housing Association, working in partnership with the Robertson Group, Cordale Housing Association and Dunbritton Housing Association, are commencing work to provide 55 new affordable rented homes on this key site in central Alexandria, formerly the site of the Kippen Dairy and Leven Cottage Hospital.

The new homes include 42 one and two bedroom flats, two wheelchair adapted flats, and 11 two, three and four bedroom houses, all for rent. Designed to high quality standards, including enhanced energy efficiency levels, the construction of these homes will signify the beginning of a transformation of the centre of Alexandria, and at the same time provide much needed affordable housing in the area.

Isabel Barr, chairperson of Cordale Housing Association, said: “It is fantastic that the Alexandria and Renton communities will benefit from these new homes. It will help increase the supply of affordable homes and enhance the physical environment. The town centre of Alexandria will be transformed and it will make a significant difference to Main Street in Renton. The commitment to progress these developments was a key priority of our partnership with Caledonia Housing Association.”

The project is one of three new affordable housing developments due to commence shortly, the other two being located in John Street and Main Street, both in Renton. These three developments will produce 72 new homes and 14 refurbished properties. Most of the homes will be managed by Cordale Housing Association as part of a commitment made when they became part of the Caledonia Group in April 2014.

Julie Cosgrove, Caledonia’s chief executive, said: “I’m delighted that the project is now underway. This is a very important development not only for Caledonia and Dunbritton Housing Association but for the regeneration of Alexandria and for the area as a whole.

“We are all very excited to see the physical work begin, but today is also about celebrating the partnership working between Caledonia, Dunbritton and Cordale Housing Associations to get us to this point. It is a year since Caledonia Housing Association first became involved in the project.”

Julie added: “The current economic climate means there is a high demand for affordable housing in Alexandria. The new development will not only address this need but the local community will also be boosted in terms of job creation and economic activity. This scheme aims to deliver just that and it is our partnership with Dunbritton Housing Association, Cordale Housing Association, West Dunbartonshire Council and our construction team that is now making it happen. I congratulate everyone on getting this far and look forward to seeing the development take shape in the coming months and create a town centre of which we can all be proud.”

Sephton MacQuire, convenor of Dunbritton Housing Association added; “On behalf of the Management Committee and staff of Dunbritton Housing Association I am delighted to see this excellent new-build project going ahead. It will provide a much-needed range of high-quality affordable homes for rent in central Alexandria.

“This type of project is a great example of what can be achieved through partnership working and pooling limited funding from a range of sources. We look forward to taking ownership of the six Dunbritton properties within the overall development and we are confident that all of the new tenants will really enjoy their homes for many years to come.”