For many years now Kingdom Housing Association has been working with partner housing associations to deliver an ‘Alliance’ approach to the delivery of new supply affordable housing projects

The first project delivered under this model was in Dundonald in November 2005, where 17 new homes were developed by Kingdom and handed over to Ore Valley Housing Association

Over the years this model has been continued and further developed, with over 550 new homes being completed and handed over to other housing associations, including Ore Valley, Fife, Glen, Fairfield and Ochilview Housing Associations.

Under this arrangement the projects are developed by Kingdom, as if they were Kingdom projects, however on completion they are transferred to the partner housing association who undertakes full ownership and responsibility for the future management and maintenance of the homes.

Bill Banks, group chief executive with Kingdom, said: “The Alliance Transfer model that we operate brings mutual benefits to everyone involved and is a good example of successful partnership working. Kingdom has a relatively large development team and the Alliance projects allow us to bring our specialist knowledge and experience into the process, as well as gaining efficiencies through the procurement arrangements.

“The model allows projects to be developed to Kingdoms high design specification and delivered efficiently, on time and within costs. The receiving Associations don’t need to worry about the complex arrangements associated with developing a new project and take handover of well designed projects which comply with all the funding and procurement requirements.”

The latest project at Hugh Place was developed on the site of the former Fife Council transport depot at a cost of £3.3m.

The Scottish Government provided £2.1m in subsidy to allow the provision of the affordable homes and the balance of the funding was through private finance.

Twenty of the new homes have been designed to amenity standard and seven are general needs properties, all 27 have been allocated as social rented tenancies by Ore Valley.

Andrew Saunders, Ore Valley’s chief executive, added: “The completion and occupation of the properties at Hugh Place has been a great success, and the feedback from our new tenants has been very positive. The ongoing partnership with Kingdom Housing Association, through the Fife Housing Association Alliance, continues to be a successful model for the delivery of new homes, in this instance meeting local community needs in Lochgelly.”

All of the properties were designed and built to full Bronze and Silver standard of sustainability through the installation of Photovoltaic Panels, DMEV (Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation) Systems and increased levels of insulation, which all contribute towards lower energy costs for the residents. The project has also achieved the Secured by Design accreditation, which helps reduce crime rates associated with house break-ins and makes the tenants feel safer in their homes and environment.

The project was built for Kingdom by local contractor Richard Street as part of a Design and Build contract and Fife-based designers were part of the project team; Sinclair Watt Architects, Hardies (Employers Agents) and Bayne Stevenson Associates (Engineers)

Kingdom is the lead development housing association for the Fife Housing Association Alliance (Kingdom, Fife Housing Group, Glen and Ore Valley Housing Associations) and the Alliance works very closely and collaboratively with Fife Council to ensure delivery of the Fife Affordable Housing Programme.

The preferred RSL developer agreement was signed last week, between the Alliance and Fife Council which will extend the current arrangement up until May 2024.