First residents move into St Stephen’s flats
Eight new residents have received the keys to their new flats in the former St Stephen’s Primary School in Blairgowrie.
The affordable housing project has been developed by the Carling Property Group and is made up of seven one-bedroom properties and one studio apartment.
The properties are being let through the Perth and Kinross Council-run PKC Lets.
Priority for applications for the flats was given to those working in the local area, over-55s and applicants with medical needs.
And those behind letting the development say that there was a lot of interest in the properties, which feature secondary glazing, new flooring, private parking and disabled access.
Kayley Hallgarth, PKC Lets private sector officer, explained:“Within a day of having the flats advertised we became inundated with calls and e-mail enquiries with people looking to view the flats straight away.
“They have been extremely popular.
“We had our first tenant signing and moving in within five days of viewing the flats.
“I think the conversion has not only transformed an empty building and brought it back to life but it has also provided people within the local community with good quality, affordable housing.
“The flats have been made to a very high standard, giving all the tenants very modern, bright and spacious living areas, whilst keeping the traditional character of the building, which is really nice to see.”
Resident George Retrick was welcomed to his new home by Kayley and Leanne Carling, co-founder of Carling Property Group.
George already lived in the town but was downsizing from a larger property in Rattray, which was proving difficult to keep warm over winter.
He said:“I’m so much closer to family now, with my sister living just around the corner.
“This flat will be easier to keep heated, and it’s much closer to the facilities in the town centre. It’s perfect for me.”