New tenants welcomed to sustainable homes in Elgin

Tenants are enjoying settling into their new energy efficient homes which have been developed by Grampian Housing Association in partnership with Moray Council and Barratt & David Wilson Homes North Scotland.   

The first phase of 25 properties comprises of one detached house, 13 terraced houses and 11 wheelchair accessible bungalows to meet the diverse needs of the growing population of Elgin. The homes are a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom properties and one five-bedroom property.   

The total scheme cost of £4.5 million will attract £2.39 million in grant from the Scottish Government with the balance funded by the Association. 

Tenants said:  

“I’m very happy with my bungalow which is going to make a massive difference to me, giving me the space, I need to live my life to the full. It feels like my home already.” 

“I’m delighted with my house. It’s top spec and I’m over the moon.” 

Speaking about the handover of the new homes Craig Stirrat, Chief Executive of Grampian Housing Group said: 

“We aim to not just build great homes but also aim to ensure that our current and future tenants enjoy desirable, high-quality places to live where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive and grow. 

“We are extremely delighted to have worked with Barratt to deliver these impressive new affordable homes in this tenure neutral community of Findrassie. 

“The homes represent Grampian’s ongoing commitment to the communities of Moray with one third of its 3,600 strong property portfolio located throughout the area.”   

Scott Pettitt, Technical Director, Barratt & David Wilson Homes North Scotland, said:  

“It is great to see this next phase of Barratt’s supply of affordable homes reach completion and be handed over to Grampian Housing Association. These new homes are high quality and have a strong environmental focus, which reflects more accurately how we live today and how we will live in the future. 

“The sustainability design, construction and placemaking we have built into the development are key to realising the Findrassie masterplan vision. We are incredibly proud of what we have delivered for our client, Grampian Housing Association and for the Elgin Community.” 

Martin Rait, Site Manager, Barratt won Pride in the Job Quality award for this development. 

Findrassie lies to the north of Elgin and is a new community surrounded by excellent facilities and a high-quality environment. The Findrassie landscape-led masterplan was the subject of a design forum review facilitated by Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS). It reflects traditional built form and open space of Elgin. It has also been categorised as ‘well-considered’ by A&DS with the partnership working between Moray Council and Pitgaveny, the landowner and cited as ‘national best practice’.  

Fiona Geddes, Housing Strategy and Development Manager, Moray Council said: 

“Both Grampian Housing Association and Barratt are valued partners in the delivery of new build affordable housing.   

“The completion of this development is welcomed as it provides an increase in supply of housing suitable for older people and people with disabilities who require ground floor accommodation.  Larger family sized homes intended to alleviate overcrowding, and homelessness have also been built.   

“We wish households moving in happiness in their new homes and hope they will become part of a vibrant new community.” 

Grampian has a long-standing mission to keep on building new affordable homes across the Northeast of Scotland for social rent in high quality places to address the housing supply crisis. 

Photographed: From left, Ian Finnie GHA, Danielle Kashkoush, Talbot Surveyors, Linsey Thomson GHA and Martin Rait Barratt with tenant.