An official sod cutting ceremony was carried out in Earlston last week, to mark the start of an exciting £12.5m new affordable housing development. Cruden Building, part of the Cruden Group, is building 64 energy-efficient new homes on behalf of Eildon Housing Association.
This development contributes to Eildon’s strategy to address the housing supply needs of the region, investing £120m into the Borders economy and building up to 800 affordable new homes across the area. The much needed 64 new homes will be built on the former Earlston High School site, which is being designed by local architects Aitken Turnbull. The new homes will comprise of two-, three- and four-bedroomed homes, apartments and cottage flats.
The low carbon development will use significantly less energy than conventional homes through green measures including air source heat pumps. A sustainable urban drainage (SUDs) pond will naturally reduce surface water flooding, improve water quality and enhance the biodiversity of the environment on the site. This development and the wider community will also benefit from the upgraded water plant from Scottish Water and the road access which will also be upgraded with primary access through East Green and secondary access through the Station Road Industrial Estate.
Nile Istephan, Eildon Housing Chief Executive who was on site said: “I’m really pleased we’re now starting work at Earlston, as affordable housing supply in the Borders still remains in huge demand, particularly now with soaring costs. It’s fantastic we can use as many local trades and businesses as possible, enhancing the economy right here in the Borders.”
Commenting on work beginning, Councillor David Parker said: “With soaring energy costs at the forefront of everyone’s minds, it’s more important than ever to ensure we are building homes that are low carbon, healthy and affordable. This new housing development also provides a variety of house types to suit differing needs and environmentally friendly features.”
Craig Giblett, Director of Cruden Building Scotland, said: “We are delighted to begin working on another important development for Eildon Housing Association — the eighth development we have carried out over the last five years. As well as building these sustainable, modern homes which make a huge difference to local residents, we will also be bringing a range of community benefits, including new jobs and training opportunities to the area.”
Header image shows from left to right: Nile Istephan – Eildon Chief Executive, Sheila Gibb – Community Council Chair, Ali Weir and David Robinson – Eildon Housing, Alistair Crockett, Craig Giblett – Cruden Building, Ian Aikman – Scottish Borders Council, Frank Gallagher – Cruden Building
and Councillor David Parker.
