Next phase in the heart of West Lothian

Focus is on families as a new community takes shape, says Kirsty Mcluckie

Set in West Lothian in Scotland’s central belt, Heartlands is one of the largest regeneration projects in Europe. When complete, £650 million will have been invested in both residential and commercial property.

The site was once the centre of Whitburn’s deep coal mining industry and home to Polkemmet Colliery which closed in 1986.

The derelict buildings were demolished and the mountains of colliery spoil known as bings were removed after the huge task of regenerating the landscape began in 2004.

Planning for 2,000 homes, over 1.5 million square feet of commercial space, as well as retail and leisure facilities was approved and housebuilders moved on site in 2012.

A new motorway junction on the M8 was completed in 2013 and the first residents moved in a year later.

Taylor Wimpey, Bellway and Oyster Homes have been on site for some years, building a range of homes from those suitable for first-time buyer to large family homes, so the growing community here has been diverse from the start.

Buyers are attracted to the location as well as the choice of homes. Amenities are being added as the community grows and Heartlands is an excellent midway point for commuting to both Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Allanwater Homes started on site last year and has now launched a showhome at the development in its second phase, with prices starting from £199,995 for a four-bedroomed detached Ochil villa with single garage.

Three other choices of fourbedroomed detached villas are also available at prices up to £246,995.

The five-bedroomed showhome has been designed to appeal squarely to family buyers with a teenage girl’s room, a nursery, an elegant guest bedroom, and one decorated for twin boys, alongside the luxurious master bedroom suite.

Scottish designer wallpapers feature in the home, along with statement pieces by Steven Burgess Furniture & Interiors, who designed the interiors.

Sharron Mccarthy, sales and marketing manager for Allanwater Homes, says: “We are looking to inspire all who view this property, as we have already had a great many young family buyers here reserving from plan.

“We think it’s very important for the family market to show bedrooms for different ages of children, and rooms for different lifestyle needs.”

The house features an open-plan kitchen with family room and dining space with French doors to the garden.

There is a separate large formal lounge at the front of the property. A utility room off the kitchen has access to the single integral garage and a cloakroom.

Upstairs, with four double bedrooms and a fifth single bedroom which can also be used as a study, it is a flexible home.

The house types being built at the site are some of Allanwater Homes’ most popular and practical designs, offering a choice of features and room layouts to suit many buyers.

The company offers a very good specification as standard, including quality fitted kitchens with integrated appliances such as the oven, hob and cooker hood.

Buyers can also choose their bathroom and kitchen tiling, and fitted kitchen styles from a wide range.

The homes are constructed using energy efficient materials, to minimise CO2 emissions and keep running costs low.