Official opening at Leith Fort
L-R Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of Port of Leith Housing, Kevin Stewart MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Local Government and Housing, Margaret OÕConnor, Chair of Port of Leith Housing Association, Cllr Gavin Barrie, Housing and Economy Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, Ben MacPherson, MSP and Vice Convenor Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron.
The opening ceremony will took place today at the site of the 18th century Leith Fort which was the first home of the world famous ‘One o’clock gun’ now housed at Edinburgh Castle.
The development contains 62 new homes for mid market rent by Port of Leith Housing Association’s subsidiary Persevere Developments and 32 homes for social rent by the City of Edinburgh Council.
Councillor Gavin Barrie, Housing and Economy Convener for The City of Edinburgh Council, said: “I am delighted to be attending the official opening of the development at Leith Fort. This is the latest development to be opened following the Council’s coalition pledge to deliver 20,000 affordable and low-cost homes over the next ten years.
“We are very pleased to have worked with Port of Leith Housing Association to deliver these high-quality, modern homes modelled on the Edinburgh colonies concept. Of course, housing is so much more than buildings it’s about communities and this scheme has recognised that from the start. The local community have been engaged throughout the process and have been put at the heart of the project. They’ve had input into early designs, through planning, architectural work and the street naming process. I wish to congratulate everyone at the Council and Port of Leith involved in the success of the development and I wish residents all the very best in their new homes.”
Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Local Government and Housing, said: “I am delighted to see the completion of this new affordable housing development, which has become a reality with nearly £3 million of Scottish Government funding.
“Making sure everyone has a safe, warm and affordable home is central to our drive to make Scotland fairer and more prosperous. And developments like this, along with Edinburgh City Council’s commitment to deliver 20,000 affordable homes over the next decade, will play a big part in helping to realise that ambition.
“We are committed to delivering at least 50,000 affordable homes over this Parliament – backed by £3 billion of investment. With 70% of these homes being for social rent, that is a bold target. As Leith Fort demonstrates, with close partnership working between councils and housing associations delivering 94 affordable, energy efficient homes, I am confident the target can be achieved.”