Building Briefs – August 6th

An eye-catching and much-needed development of 18 new flats for social rent was handed over to delighted tenants in Edinburgh last week.

Delivered by Hillcrest Housing Association in partnership with the developer Cullross Limited and funded by the City of Edinburgh Council, work on these one and two bedroom properties started on site in Burdiehouse in September 2014.

In addition to Burdiehouse, Hillcrest has delivered 55 affordable homes in Edinburgh this year and plans to deliver 249 more by 2018.

Green light for first phase of housing plan at former Angus prison

Planning councillors have approved the first phase of a “well-considered proposal” for the residential redevelopment of a former Angus open prison.

Developers hope to turn the former HMP Noranside estate, which was a working prison until 2011, into 48 homes.

The plans include the demolition of cell blocks and farm buildings, while the B-listed Noranside House and the stable block would be redeveloped.

Angus development standards councillors have now approved the first homes in what will be a four-phase redevelopment of the 10-hectare site by Tulloch Farms.

Meeting in Forfar, they followed an official approval recommendation relating to the conversion of the C-listed Noranside stable block into three dwellings, along with five new homes on the western side of the site.

Phase two will involve demolition of the prison buildings and conversion of the main house into three homes.

The overall scheme also includes restoration of Noranside’s historical walled garden.

Work on flood-hit Fife road nearly complete

The £800,000 project to reinstate the flood-hit Dura Den road in Fife is in its final stages, and officials hope the route could reopen by October.

A major step has just been completed, with contractors having finished retaining walls to support the once-ruined carriageway.

Though having been finished behind schedule, Fife Council’s executive spokesperson for environment and transportation, Pat Callaghan, said that the conclusion of the work was a significant step forward.

Residents of the hamlet were evacuated from their homes early on October 12 2012 following heavy overnight rain.

A large section of the main road through the community had collapsed given the weight of the water flowing down from the local hills.

One house which had its gable wall swept away by the torrent of water was eventually demolished, given the extent of the damage.

The C45 road has remained closed while extensive repair work has been undertaken.

Scottish Water will be on site from next week to carry out pipe diversion work, while the roadworks are scheduled to begin on August 31.

Consultation for Dalkeith regeneration

Midlothian Council has announced a consultation exercise is to begin as part of a feasibility study into the regeneration of Dalkeith town centre.

The council is considering options for future commercial, leisure and retail use, as well as for house and civic buildings.

The feasibility study will mostly take in the town centre area bordered by High Street, Buccleuch Street and South Street.

The aim of the study will examine the potential for boosting economic activity, investment and job opportunities by providing new or refurbished shops, offices and other workplaces, leisure facilities, housing and public spaces.

The research will also look at including new, more efficient and cost effective council headquarters, while freeing up older inefficient council-owned offices in various other locations.

The possibility of developing a modern replacement library and new arts centre, with the potential for flexible community use, will also be considered.

The consultation phase is expected to take several months and will help determine the financial feasibility of the project as well as influencing how the regenerated town centre might look.

Authorities restore historic stone for Inverness

The Highland Council and Scottish Canals have restored an ancient stone for Inverness.

The Clachnahagaig Stone is a historic landmark which marks the upper end of the town fishings on the River Ness.

Last year, the council was informed the stone had been damaged with a large part of it wound up in the River Ness.

The council recovered the stone and twice arranged for it to be restored. However, both times the stone was vandalised soon after being reinstalled.

Scottish Canals helped facilitate the restoration by permitting the work on the Canal-side and creating a large clearing around the Stone’s location to increase its visibility.

The council’s Community Services made arrangements for the Stone to be restored and reinstalled at the site.

New MUGA to open in Galston

East Ayrshire Council has announced a new Multi Use Games Arena (MUGA) will open at Barrmill Stadium in Galston.

The new sporting facility will be opened by the Galston Community Development Trust (GCDT) on 10 August.