Finnie opens new ACHA development in Connel
An ambitious plan to build 32 new rental housing units in Connel has been completed and was officially opened last week by Highlands and Islands MSP John Finnie, writes Fiona Scott.
Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) has just completed the final phase of the new build which provides a mixture of family and special needs housing, from one bedroom to three bedrooms.
Funded in a three-way partnership between ACHA, the Scottish Government and Argyll and Bute Council, the total value of the development saw an investment of £4.9million.
The main contractor for the project was Argyll company MacLeod Construction.
Speaking at the official opening last Friday Mr Finnie said: ‘It is fantastic to see this important project reach completion. Providing high quality affordable homes to people in Argyll is more important than ever and I hope those moving in will spend many happy years here.
‘Decent housing isn’t a luxury, it’s a basic human right. I congratulate ACHA and everyone else involved and look forward to continuing to support the housing association in its vital work.’
The Connel development is part of an ongoing new build programme throughout Argyll and Bute by ACHA with developments currently on site in Oban, Kilmartin, Cairnbaan and Garelochhead. Additional site starts are due shortly in Inveraray and Tarbert.
Alastair MacGregor, ACHA’s chief executive, added: ‘I am delighted to see these badly needed homes completed, and to see families with young children moving into Connel. This development is about ensuring that we have decent, affordable housing in small villages in Argyll as well as larger towns such as Oban.’