Work on affordable housing project in Aith set to get underway soon

WORK is due to commence shortly on a new affordable housing project in Aith after the project suffered tendering delays.

The six-home Hjaltland Housing Association development has been designed by Nee Gibson Architects and complements the existing scheme Marthastoon which adjoins the site.

E&H building contractors has been appointed to complete the project and it is anticipated work will commence before the end of the year.

The Scottish Government has provided £1.1 million in grant funding for this project as part of the strategic housing investment plan for affordable housing in Shetland.

The association’s head of investment Paul Leask said: “We tendered this project last year and due to the financial uncertainty at the time, were unable to attract any suitable tenders, so I am delighted to see this project finally go onsite.

“The support of the Scottish Government was key in enabling us to commence with this project and following a retendering process we have appointed E&H Building Contractors to carry out the work.

“At a time when the country is heading into a recession it is great to confirm this investment in our local economy and I look forward to delivering keys to the new tenants next year.”

Bobby Elphinstone from E&H Building Contractors said: “We are delighted to be working with the Association on another affordable housing project and look forward to delivering these six new homes to the community in Aith.”

The project will provide both three and four-person semi-detached properties which are all timber clad with heating supplied via air source heat pumps. The design team for the project includes Nee Gibson Architects, Arch Henderson and quantity surveyors John Duguid Partnership.