New Dundee project aims to fill empty homes.

An exciting initiative has been launched in Dundee, aiming to bring hundreds of empty homes back into use and provide training opportunities for 180 local residents. The Strong Foundations Scotland project is set to tackle the issue of approximately 43,766 empty homes in Scotland, with 1,017 of them located in Dundee. Shockingly, 46% of these homes have been vacant for over a year, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

After presenting their proposal to the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership and showcasing their successful work in South Wales, Strong Foundations secured Kickstarter funding for a two-year development project. This project will serve as a stepping stone towards a larger, multi-year community regeneration project in Dundee.

Ellen McCubbin, representing the Community Impact Initiative responsible for the project, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to address this pressing issue. She emphasised the importance of engaging with the local community and understanding the unique challenges they face. McCubbin outlined the timeline of the project, with the first year dedicated to community engagement and the second year focused on operational planning and property acquisition.

McCubbin highlighted the goal of breaking ground on the first community regeneration project in Dundee by the start of 2026. The official start date for the two-year development period is set for the 7th of May, marking the beginning of an exciting journey towards revitalising the city.

“Our community regeneration model has proven successful in Wales, and we are eager to implement it in Dundee,” McCubbin stated. “We are confident that this project will bring about positive change and enhance the quality of life for residents in this vibrant city.”