Scotland’s leading housing provider has officially launched its newest Edinburgh development, providing affordable accommodation for more than 100 people.
Bield Housing & Care cut the ribbon on its Fleming Place development recently at a ceremony attended by staff, tenants and members of the community. Held in the courtyard of the development, the ribbon was cut by tenants Howard Tang and Monica Hunter, and Chair of Bield, Susan Napier (pictured above), who spoke about the development process and the success of the project.
Susan said: “We are delighted with the properties that we have managed to achieve here at Fleming Place — the standard is very high. Our vision is for everybody to have the choice to be independent and fulfilled. The design is to the normal high standard that is expected for older people’s housing — very independent, very flexible and very secure.
“Bield always goes that little bit further to try and make sure that the properties are as flexible as possible for people for when their needs change in the future.”
Fleming Place features 40 apartments for social rent that comprise a mixture of one- and two-bedroom flats for people aged 50 and over.
Five of the properties have been allocated to The Action Group for people with support needs.
Located on the site of former NHS General Hospital, the development overlooks Craigentinny Golf Course, with many flats benefiting from spectacular views across Calton Hill and the world-famous Edinburgh cityscape.
However, those looking to make the move to the north-east of Edinburgh will have to wait a little longer in order to secure an apartment, with over 100 people already on the waiting list.
Despite this, a property at the development is well worth the wait according to Howard Tang — one of the first tenants to move into Fleming Place back in April.
Howard said: “The development is very comfortable and well designed. The staff are very professional with handling things such as applications and made sure I settled in well.
“When I first moved in I had a few maintenance problems. All I had to do was pick up the phone and they would be right there within two or three hours.
“However, the real draw is the location which is marvellous — the views just speak for themselves. We have a golf view and also a view of Arthur’s Seat. There is no heavy traffic or noisy neighbours. It’s an ideal place for a retired person like myself.”
Fleming Place is the first development in Edinburgh in almost 15 years, which has been achieved through a successful partnership with Edinburgh based J Smart & Company.
An overall £4.9m investment supported the delivery of this development, with a £2.2m grant contribution from the Scottish Government.
As the country’s leading specialist provider of housing for those over the age of 50, Bield has always been at the forefront of developing new property options to support their needs, particularly in areas that are traditionally out with the scope of charities.
This theme, matched with a clear ethos of giving older people greater independence and choice, set against tough financial demands, has seen Bield embark on a new strategy for property development.
