Work to build 24 new flats on a prominent corner site in the West End of Dundee is on schedule for completion next year.
More than £8.5m has been set aside to fund the project, at Blackness Road which will provide six wheelchair accessible one-bedroom flats and 18 two-bedroom properties.
Kevin Cordell, convener of the neighbourhood, housing and communities committee was joined by deputy convener Lynne Short and representatives of building firm, Clark Contracts at the site to see first-hand how work is developing.
He said: “I am pleased to see the massive changes there have been at this site for myself. When we were here in October last year some ground stabilisation works had been done with retaining walls and foundations laid.
“Since then, the masonry structure for the ground floor flats has been erected complete with the concrete first floor slab, and the facing brick has progressed up to first floor level, including the stairwells.”
Cllr Short added: “This site and its progress are tangible reminders for everyone who passes it or lives nearby that we are delivering on our ongoing commitment to provide homes that are accessible for all members of our communities.
“They are contributing towards meeting the need for affordable housing in the city that is secure, energy efficient and sustainable and that work for residents today and for many years to come.”
Following the traditional tenements of its neighbours the design of the development is sympathetic to the surrounding area and uses enhanced foundation detailing and retaining wall structures.
In addition, it will benefit from high performing insulation and a heating system comprising hybrid boiler/air source heat pump which aligns with Dundee City Council's commitment to providing affordable homes and supporting the wider community.
Dundee City Council Housing Revenue Account is meeting £5,201,918.54 of the £8.527m total cost, with Scottish Government Affordable Housing Investment Grant provisionally agreeing to fund £2,326,000.00 and Council Tax income from second homes, meeting the rest.
As work progresses it is on track for completion next year with the first residents moving in by Autumn 2027.
Dundee City Council
Dundee draws skilled workers from a 60-minute catchment population of 640,000 and has a local population of over 140,000. The availability of a large pool of highly skilled labour is a key feature in the Dundee economy. Flexibility in the labour force is currently more prevalent in Dundee than in Scotland as a whole. All forms of labour market flexibility - part-time, temporary employment, self-employment and shift work - are widely operational within the city. Labour force stability in the city is excellent, enabling companies to plan with confidence. Labour turnover levels are less than 5% and absenteeism averages 2%.
