Mill O’ Shield Road in Drongan and Quarry Knowe in Auchinleck are being delivered by CCG (Scotland) on behalf of East Ayrshire Council with both projects extending a strategic housing partnership that has delivered over 200 affordable homes since 2017.

Designed by MAST Architects, Mill O’ Shield comprises 14 two, three and four-bedroom houses, including the creation of 1 fully wheelchair-accessible bungalow and a bungalow suitable for ambulant disabled residents.

Quarry Knowe is being delivered on behalf of the East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership and will include eight one-bed flats, including a care provider’s base and a private garden for residents. The project focuses on giving independence to residents with additional support needs and is a similar housing concept to the industry-recognised Andrew Nisbet Place in Hurlford which was completed in 2020.

Councillor Jacqui Todd, cabinet spokesperson for housing, welfare and poverty, performed the official ground-breaking and was joined on-site by respective, locally-elected members. She said: “Drongan is an area where we have high demand for affordable housing. The site on Mill O’Shield Road and Hannahston Avenue was cleared by the council to accommodate this new development of 14 homes, which will be completed later in 2022. The new homes will help to regenerate the local area while providing a range of homes that are accessible, attractive and energy-efficient and meet the varying needs of our communities.

“Quarry Knowe will enable residents to live independently and safely in the local community, with support from health and social care services, in an environment that promotes social interaction. The concept for this development has been informed by collaborative working between the Council’s Housing Service and East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership and is based on our award-winning developments in Kilmarnock and Hurlford.

“By engaging with our local communities and working closely with the East Ayrshire Federation of Tenants and Residents, we are changing lives and are future-proofing our communities, not just our buildings and ensuring that local needs are met.”

CCG director, John Baggley, added: “Both Mill O’ Shield Road and Quarry Knowe are the latest examples of how East Ayrshire Council and CCG are transforming communities across the regional area with high-quality, highly energy-efficient affordable homes that are specially-designed to meet the needs of the resident.

“We have worked together now for over five years and we are delighted to bring our expertise to both towns where construction is well underway and on track to welcome residents later this summer.”