The pioneering £4.2 million project, which will deliver 20 much-needed affordable homes for social rent, will be one of the most energy-efficient housing developments in Scotland, boasting a range of innovations to cut emissions and heating bills.

It represents the first phase in an ambitious five-year strategy of new-build housing projects for the Edinburgh-headquartered housing association.

Bobby Duffy, Ark’s chief executive, said: “With Crusader Rise, our number one priority was to provide the highest possible quality of modern, affordable homes for social rental, while also setting new standards for energy efficiency and environmental impact. We have also built in innovative solutions to enable tenants with disabilities to live independently and we designed some of our properties to be suitable for those tenants who may require higher levels of care and support. This development truly represents who Ark is and what we aspire to be as a high quality provider of housing and care.

“We are really looking forward to welcoming the first of our tenants next summer and helping them settle in to the local community in Dedridge.

“Everyone deserves high-quality, affordable housing and, working in partnership with the Scottish Government and West Lothian Council, we’re excited to see the enormous difference these homes will make to householders in the years ahead.”

The development is a key milestone in Ark’s ambitious new-build development programme, which will augment its current stock of 400 properties.

Caryn Innes, Ark’s director of development and business improvement, added: “Crusader Rise will set a very high bar for comfort, affordability and quality of care. We are determined to build on those standards in the years ahead, making a positive difference to our customers who live in them and the communities they are part of, while contributing to the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme.

“Every last detail of the project has been carefully considered, with the needs of tenants at the very heart of our thinking. We’re very confident they will make a really positive difference to people’s lives for many, many years to come.”

In response to local housing need, Crusader Rise will deliver a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes including six ground floor apartments designed to wheelchair standards. Every property incorporates a wide range of innovative design, specification and digital features to help people with complex needs to live full, independent lives.

With a range of ground-breaking thermal technologies, the new homes will deliver zero direct emissions heating, in line with the Scottish Government’s Affordable Warmth and Zero Emission targets, set out in its ‘Housing to 2040’ and ‘Heat in Buildings’ strategies. The development will also incorporate electric car charging facilities.

Designed by Slorach Wood Architects, the new-build development is being funded by Ark and the Scottish Government, with Ark committing £2,087,410 and a grant award of £2,100,000 from the Scottish Government.

Following an open and competitive tender process through Public Contract Scotland, JR Construction (Scotland) Ltd has been awarded the building contract.