Work Starts on Next Generation Council homes

04 March 2016

Work is due to start this month on Aberdeen's largest council house development in more than a decade.

Aberdeen City Council is set to develop almost 100 modern homes at the former Smithfield Primary School site in the Middlefield area of the city.

The extensive development marks a key milestone in the local authority's objectives to roll out thousands of new, affordable houses in the next two years.

Aberdeen City Council Leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: "This flagship project will create contemporary, all-purpose homes for residents in our city who are struggling to meet private rents and who are struggling to find suitable accommodation.

"Our firm commitment to investing in our housing portfolio will not just ensure Aberdeen can offer comfortable, modern homes for those seeking to build lives here, it will also rejuvenate existing communities who will benefit from new infrastructure and the regeneration which accompanies such investment.

"We have been at a crossroads in Aberdeen for some time, particularly where the availability of housing is concerned, but projects like this will begin to shape our city for the future generations that follow. And it is only the beginning of a number of exciting announcements."

The Smithfield Development will offer a mix of 99 homes including semi-detached and detached properties of up to 4 bedrooms and one and two bedroom apartments.

The development will also include open green spaces with access to what will be a revamped play park opposite the site.

The homes, which have been designed by North-east firm Lippe Architects to be constructed by CHAP Construction, are bright, spacious and cater for families of all sizes and needs.

They will also be joined up to Aberdeen City Council's Combined Heat and Power Scheme which recycles energy from waste, providing low cost fuel.

Aberdeen's CHP scheme has proven immensely successful in tackling fuel poverty in Aberdeen – reduction in carbon omissions and heating costs.

Project Architect and Lippe Associate, Kirsten Will said: "As a design team, our solution was to create a new residential development which has open areas for recreation and play, houses which are modern and distinctive externally but reflect the context of the area.

"Most importantly, we are buildings homes with a functional and comfortable internal layout which positively respond to the needs of Aberdeen City Council's clients."

"We are looking forward to working with Aberdeen City Council on delivering their ambition to lead the way and build economic and sustainable homes in a safe and pleasant environment."

Work will be carried out in two phases, with Phase One, (Provost Rust Drive) offering 12 semidetached homes and Phase Two, (Smithfield Drive and Clarke Street) comprising a mix of 30 semidetached and 57 one and two bedroom apartments.

This phase will also include a western footpath connecting the new housing with the surrounding community.

Jim Young, Construction Director of Principal Contractors, CHAP Construction said: "This is a particularly significant project for both CHAP Group and Lippe Architects from several aspects. As long-established local businesses and employers, it carries great significance for our staff.

"However, from the simple perspective that the project will provide a large number of much needed affordable homes in Aberdeen, it is an honour for us to be awarded this construction project. This is a major investment by Aberdeen City Council."