The £5 million investment by Elsick Development Company (EDC) will pave the way for the next stage of development at the Chapelton site.

The expansion plans include a further 250 homes, a luxury retirement village from Liberty Retirement Living and additional recreational, green and commercial space within the town.

WM Donald, a contractor which has worked on the site since EDC first broke ground at Chapelton in 2013, will kick off the work on site after being appointed for the next stage of infrastructure works in a contract worth £3.5m. The works include utilities, roads and landscaping / ground works.

Willie Donald from the firm said: “We are delighted to have been chosen again as the infrastructure contractor at Chapelton. The next phase will contain the same high standards of design and we are well placed to provide the roads and services.”

The Duke of Fife, director of Elsick Development Company, added: “The latest development will see the provision of additional green space, Liddell Park, which will house a children’s play park. Neighbouring Liddell Place will also provide new commercial opportunities and deliver the town’s first bistro and a handful of new shops.”

Builder AJC Construction has also been appointed to construct a new community centre in Liddell Park although it will begin life as the sales office for Liberty Retirement Living.

The existing rock removal and ground preparation recently commenced by James Jamieson Construction will ensure that the following area for development, after the above, is ready to begin soon after.