North-east social homes provider Osprey Housing invests £2.85 million in first phase of major Lossiemouth development
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SOCIAL housing provider Osprey Housing is working with Moray housebuilder Tulloch of Cummingston to develop 76 new homes as part of a major project in Lossiemouth – Osprey's largest new-build project yet.
The initial phase for 20 affordable Osprey homes represents a £2.85 million undertaking for the provider, with grant support from the Scottish Government of £1.75 million.
All the homes Tulloch is building for Osprey at Kinneddar Meadows, on the edge of the town, will be "tenure blind". This means their specifications will closely mirror those of the properties being built for sale, with the aim of increasing social integration within a carefully planned community that will give residents a sense of pride and belonging in a warm, neighbourly setting.
The first phase of building work is under way. Handover of the first 10 houses is estimated to begin in March 2022 and will then continue on a rolling programme basis.
Osprey's chief executive, Glenn Adcook, said: "We are delighted to be working with Tulloch, whose ethos so closely matches ours.
"This is the biggest new-build project Osprey has ever undertaken and will also feature the largest individual properties we’ve ever been able to offer."
He added: "We are confident that using the 'tenure blind' approach will enhance social cohesion across the development and wider community.
"This exciting new development – inclusive of the affordable housing – will bring great benefits to the area.
"It not only provides high-quality, affordable homes but an exceptional place to live and confirms Osprey’s commitment to investing in Moray – a key promise made to our Moray tenants in the recently completed transfer of engagements.
"Starting a new development as ambitious as this is also testament to the strong collaborative working between Osprey Housing, the developer, Moray Council and the Scottish Government."
The first phase of the Kinneddar Meadows development includes: eight three-bedroom semi-detached houses; one three-bedroom detached house; six four-bedroom semi-detached houses; one five-bedroom detached house; and four one-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.
When complete, the Kinneddar Meadows greenfield development will mark Tulloch’s largest to date and comprise a total of 270 homes. The first phase was released three years ago, with Tulloch committed to finishing the development within the next decade.
John Tulloch, managing director of Tulloch of Cummingston, said his company had previously worked with Osprey on other Moray developments, adding: "We are delighted and happy to nominate Osprey Housing our 'social housing partner of choice'.
"Tulloch is a family-run business, established for more than 50 years and committed to employing local trades people, suppliers and contractors. We share the same business ethos as Osprey and enjoy an excellent working relationship with the team."
Osprey Housing owns and manages more than 1,800 properties in the north-east of Scotland. Its tenants include single people, families, homeless applicants, those moving for employment, those with particular needs and older people.
Osprey Housing and Osprey Housing Moray became a single entity in April this year. The provider announced then it was freezing rents for its north-east tenants until March 31 next year.
Read also: Osprey Housing freezes rent prices after restructure
