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Housing Association News
Quartermile, Edinburgh
Hillcrest Housing Association has today taken ownership of a 3000m2 site on the western edge of the prestigious Quartermile development in
Emma Hutchison, Hillcrest Business Development Manager, commented that “We are delighted to finally be at this stage. It has been an extremely challenging project which at times looked like it wouldn’t go ahead. It is only through the perseverance and flexibility of Hillcrest staff and Management Committee together with the support of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Government that we today signed the contracts enabling us to start on site.”
Hillcrest’s affordable housing is being delivered through a section 75 agreement set out when Gladedale Capital got planning permission for the Quartermile development. Paul Curran, Gladedale Capital Managing Director, commented: “Through working in close partnership with Hillcrest and the City of
Overall, the Quartermile development will include over 900 private apartments for sale, over 30,000 sq m of new office accommodation, over 10,000 sq m of retail and leisure space and 7 acres of open landscaping. Taken altogether Quartermile eventually represents a new inner city neighbourhood in the historic heart of
Hillcrest’s Q10 development includes 174 affordable housing units, containing 98 for social rent and 76 for mid market rent. Emma Hutchison explained that “We feel that the design for Q10, delivered by Richard Murphy Architects, perfectly compliments the wider Quartermile development. We are providing a range of affordable housing accommodation which includes wheelchair accessible and elderly amenity flats. We are also providing larger sized family homes with dedicated terraced spaces which will benefit from magnificent views including
“This is a milestone project for Hillcrest, being our largest single phased development to date. Edinburgh Council (backed by Scottish Government) is our funding partner in this project with almost £7m of public investment being allocated. It is only through an innovative approach to funding that the development has been made possible. The remainder of the funding, in the region of £17m, is being privately financed by Hillcrest, causing many sleepless nights!”
Councillor Paul Edie, Housing Leader for the City of
"Many people cannot afford to get on the property ladder but developments like these, where properties are available for social and mid market rent, represent a lifeline to them. It will also provide a boost for the construction industry and local businesses in the area."
It is estimated that work will take 30 months to complete. On hearing that work would be commencing, Housing Minister Alex Neil commented that "I am delighted to hear that Hillcrest is due to soon start on site on the Quartermile development in
“Hillcrest’s innovative approach to financing this project, using funding provided from the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Investment Programme, has allowed this landmark development to happen.
“I would also congratulate Hillcrest on the range and number of affordable houses being provided, including the provision of family homes in city centre
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