Three Housing Groups Adding 66 Accessible Homes in Dundee

Three Scottish housing associations have joined forces to tackle the housing crisis in Scotland by focusing on providing homes for independent living in Dundee. Blackwood Homes & Care is leading the £17.5 million housing project, which will introduce 66 new homes ranging from two-bed flats to four and five-bedroom houses in the Charleston area of Dundee. These homes will incorporate cutting-edge technology and design features to support residents in living as independently as possible.

Blackwood Homes & Care has teamed up with Bield Housing & Care and Hillcrest Homes to demonstrate how collaboration can deliver much-needed homes, especially during challenging economic times. Bield will acquire 24 homes, Hillcrest 25, and Blackwood will retain the rest of the properties.

Each home is based on the award-winning Blackwood House design and comes equipped with lift access, remotely controlled automated functions, and digital care and housing systems to enhance residents’ independence. Simon Fitzpatrick, chief executive of Blackwood, highlighted the partnership’s dedication to innovative solutions in addressing Scotland’s housing needs.

“By working with Bield and Hillcrest, we are not simply constructing houses; we are creating homes that can adapt to changing requirements, ensuring long-term independence and quality of life,” Fitzpatrick stated. “This development exemplifies the sector’s collaborative efforts to meet the demand for homes nationwide. We are grateful to Bield and Hillcrest for their cooperation and anticipate the positive impact this will have on the lives of Dundee residents.”

The Charleston development is set to welcome its first residents in the near future, a significant stride towards offering adaptive housing solutions for individuals with varying needs across Dundee. Drew Moore, director of assets at Bield, expressed enthusiasm for the project.

“Our involvement in this initiative aligns perfectly with Bield’s mission to empower older people in Scotland to lead fulfilling lives within a supportive community,” Moore remarked. “These new homes will greatly enhance our services in Dundee, providing modern, accessible living spaces that promote independence and well-being.”

The Charleston homes are spread across different sites, including Liff Place, Gourdie Place, Gourdie Crescent, Charleston Road, Invercraig Road, and Buttar’s Road, offering a mix of 50 two-bedroom flats, 14 four-bed homes, and two five-bed houses. Angela Linton, chief executive of Hillcrest, emphasized the significance of collaboration in the project.

“We are delighted to be part of this collective endeavour. These new homes represent more than just physical structures; they embody what can be accomplished when organisations unite with a shared vision,” Linton stated. “This development will make a tangible difference in addressing housing needs in Dundee.”

The lead contractor for delivering the properties was Fife-based Campion Homes, appointed in 2022. The project marks a promising advancement in providing sustainable and inclusive housing solutions in Dundee.