Heron Court, on West Bowling Green Street, will become a specialist new build 24-apartment development for people with a range of learning and physical disabilities.

Tenants will be referred to the scheme by adult social care commissioners at the City of Edinburgh Council.

The development is the first to supported living development in Scotland for property development and investment company HBV.

HBV has delivered over 50 individual supported living developments in England, comprising of more than 1,000 apartments and bungalows. Local authority adult social care commissioners refer residents to the schemes.

Lifeways will be the care provider and Inclusion Housing is the Registered Provider.

Alastair Sheehan, business development director of HBV, said: “We are delighted to get work started on our first scheme in Scotland and we hope this will be the first of many. We have received tremendous support and encouragement from Edinburgh City Council and the wider community.

“Our development provides the opportunity for local adults in with disabilities to have their own home, but with the added benefit of 24-hour on-site support staff.  When blended at the outset with our assistive technology offering, outcomes for tenants are greatly enhanced.”

Beginning work at the site, contractors Marshall Construction welcomed pupils and teachers from Taobh Na Pairce Primary School who learned more about the scheme, the materials it is using and the development process.

Gareth Bland, Marshall Construction, development & bid manager, said: We are delighted to have been awarded this contract and we are looking forward to working in partnership with HBV to deliver this high-quality project. Our team has an extensive and successful track record in this type of development and will work closely with the client throughout the project to ensure that the building meets every need of future tenants.”

“We look forward to watching this site deliver not only quality homes, but also leaving a lasting legacy in the community.”