Affordable Wallyford homes welcomed by housing minister
has started on an £18.9 million affordable housing development in East Lothian.
The 90 new homes at Wallyford, near Musselburgh, are being built for Wheatley, a leading provider of housing, care and property-management in Scotland.
McTaggart Construction is building the one, two and three-bedroom flats, which should be ready in 2026.
The new properties include 61 homes for midmarket rent, aimed at people whose household income is less than £40,000 a year, but who may not qualify for social housing. The remaining 29 flats will be Livingwell homes – a service provided by Wheatley Care for tenants over the age of 55.
The development forms part of a wider masterplan for Wallyford, to create a community of 1,450 homes, up to 500 of which will be for affordable rent, along with a public park, two new schools and a sports facility.
Lindsay Lauder, Wheatley Group director of development and regeneration, said: “We’re excited to start work on these new high-quality homes in East Lothian.
“We want to increase the supply of affordable housing and these fantastic new midWork market rent homes will help those who don’t qualify for social rent but can’t afford to buy or rent privately.
“These homes will also provide security for older people who have additional support needs, but still want to live independently in their community.”
The development is being supported by grants of £6.4m from Scottish Government and £3m from the Scottish Charitable Bond programme, with Wheatley Group funding the remaining £9.5m.
Janice Russell, managing director at McTaggart, said: “We look forward to working closely with Wheatley Group and the community to build an important development that will make a positive difference to many lives, from providing wonderful homes to creating local employment opportunities, including apprenticeships and additional work for local suppliers.”
Housing Minister Paul McLennan MSP said: “Wheatley play a valuable role in increasing the range of housing available to rent throughout Scotland, and I am delighted to see this development progressing.”
These homes will help those ineligible for social rent who can’t afford to buy or rent