Listen
Homes for the Hebrides
19/01/2010
Fifty-four new homes for social rent will be built on the Isle of Lewis, it was announced today.
Two new developments in Stornoway worth £6.6 million, led by the Hebridean Housing Partnership, will provide a mix of one, two and three bedroom houses.
Work has started on the former Smith shoe shop and building on the MacRae Hostel is expected to start later this month.
The Scottish Government is providing a grant of £3.7 million towards the developments which are expected to be completed by December this year.
In November 2009, the Scottish Government awarded £700,000 to build eight new homes for affordable rent near Tarbert, North Harris.
Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said:
"This is more good housing news for the Western Isles. The provision of quality affordable homes is vital to ensure the prosperity of our island communities by helping to house and retain the local population.
"It will also help to sustain the local building trade and related businesses."
Comhairle Leader Angus Campbell said:
"This is excellent news for the Western Isles and continues the progress that is being made on developing new housing in the Islands.
"These new developments will provide much needed social housing and provide a boost to the construction and related sectors of the local economy."
George Lonie, Chairman of Hebridean Housing Partnership commented:
"We are delighted to be able to accelerate our house building programme. This investment will enable the construction of 54 additional affordable homes in Stornoway, helping to meet local housing needs and contributing significantly to the local economy.
"Building new affordable housing was a key incentive for the Comhairle to transfer its housing stock and it is good to see HHP delivering on its promise to increase housing supply for rent and owner occupation ahead of the timetable set out in our pre transfer Business Plan."