Eight new affordable homes announced for Rothesay

Connect Modular and Fyne Homes have revealed their vision for the creation of eight new affordable homes in Rothesay, the charming Victorian seaside town located on the Isle of Bute. This initiative marks a significant step towards meeting the demand for affordable family housing on the island.

Situated on a brownfield site at Ballochgoy Road that has remained vacant for years, the development will consist of six three-bedroom houses and two four-bedroom houses. These homes are meticulously designed to blend in with the local environment seamlessly. Each residence will feature an air source heat pump and solar PV panels, showcasing a commitment to sustainable technology and energy efficiency.

The location of the site on an east-facing slope above the main harbour offers breathtaking views of Rothesay Bay and the surrounding landscape. Moreover, it provides convenient access to the town centre by foot or bus. This project represents the first introduction of new affordable housing on the island in a considerable amount of time, addressing the urgent need for larger family homes.

Modular construction emerges as an efficient solution to overcome the logistical hurdles of creating affordable housing in island settings. Connect Modular will fabricate the new homes at its manufacturing facility in Cumnock, East Ayrshire, before transporting them to Rothesay when they are around 90% complete. The streamlined process of constructing modular homes enables rigorous quality control and rapid assembly, which proves especially beneficial in remote or geographically constrained areas such as Rothesay. This approach minimises disruption to the local community and reduces environmental impacts.

Connect Modular aims to capitalise on local opportunities fostered by the project. Recognising the significance of community and school involvement, the company looks forward to engaging with local schools and community groups in the area throughout the development phase. By collaborating with residents and schoolchildren, Connect Modular aims to cultivate a sense of unity between the development and the local community. Through this joint effort, the company strives to establish a harmonious relationship that benefits both the community and the new development, ultimately leading to a more cohesive and inclusive neighbourhood.

Jennifer Higgins, CEO of Connect Modular, expressed her excitement about the development in Rothesay, stating, “We are thrilled to have been chosen by Fyne Homes through a competitive tender for this project. The advantages of modular construction make it the perfect choice for this island location, aligning with our commitment to delivering top-quality homes.”

Janet McAlister, Technical Services Director at Fyne Homes, added, “We are eager to collaborate with Connect Modular on this exciting project and to provide much-needed sustainable and affordable family homes on the island.”

Following unanimous planning approval on 18th September, construction of the Ballochgoy Road development is set to commence in autumn 2024 subject to funding approval.