The house builder which transformed West Lothian’s Ghost estate has won a major industry award.
Springfield partnerships has redeveloped the notorious Deans South estate in Livingston which was emptied of council tenants more than 20 years ago because of RAAC construction.
The campaigner who fought for 20 years for a home for a home congratulated the winning team. Kerry Macintosh told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “ I cannot thank the team enough.”
Kerry and her family moved into the first phase of the redeveloped estate, just yards from where her former home, stood two years ago.
Springfield Partnerships, part of The Springfield Group, secured the Large Affordable Development of the Year title for the transformation of Deans South in Livingston at the Homes for Scotland Awards.
While most residents had been relocated from the estate built by Livingston Development Corporation, nine families, who owned their homes, were trapped living in condemned properties for over 20 years.
Today, due to the partnership working between Springfield, the Wheatley Group and West Lothian Council, this once condemned and forgotten area is a thriving development with 88 of the 136 homes already occupied with work under way on the third and final phase of the site.
The transformation of this abandoned estate has been recognised by industry experts.
Deans South stood out to judges for a number of reasons. The innovative structure and thinking behind the deal which helped address affordable housing need in the area, while also supporting those who were living in condemned homes.
The award also recognised the extensive support and engagement with former Deans’ residents throughout construction and the impact the transformation has had on the wider area, turning a forgotten eyesore, into a new, thriving community.
Kerry told the LDRS: “Springfield and Deans South deserve this award. I cannot thank Sandy Adam and the Springfield team enough for the impact they have had on my family’s lives, and the homeowners of Deans South that were left living in condemned homes for years.
“We’ll have yet another reason to celebrate at our Deans South Community street party to mark the opening of Joe Baxter’s play park within the development in memory of a former Deans resident next year now!”
Springfield Partnerships Managing Director, Tom Leggeat, said: “Restoring Deans South back to a thriving community has been a fascinating journey for Springfield and, given the uniqueness of the project, it has been hugely challenging and equally rewarding.
“The transformation of Deans South from a ghost town into a vibrant place people would be proud to call home has truly been a result of collaborative working from multiple parties with one shared goal – ensuring everyone has a safe, warm and decent place to live. We should
be proud of what we have achieved here and it’s fantastic for this work to be recognised on an industry wide platform.”
He added: “Naturally, the key thing is the impact this has had on those who live at Deans South, but winning this award is the icing on the cake. Well done to all of those involved.”
By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter
