The site, at Jim Bush Drive in the town, was developed by Lar Housing Trust into 16 two-bed mid-market rental flats and also included three commercial units on the ground floor. 

Lar subsidiary, Lar Operations Community Interest Company (CIC), is using one of the units as a lettings office to help service the growing number of properties the charity now has in East Lothian. A Londis convenience store has opened up in a second unit with discussions ongoing with another party for the third.

The CIC’s managing director, Mikko Ramstedt, said: “Our portfolio in the area has been growing rapidly over the last couple of years. It is, therefore, important that we have a presence in East Lothian to enhance our service to our tenants across the eight different sites we have in the area. The opening of this new office will allow us to very much be part of the local community and we are also delighted to have been able to bring a local convenience store to benefit the whole community.

“We’re also delighted to have worked closely with the council on this and other developments and greatly value their support as we help to tackle the shortage of quality, affordable homes in the county.”

Meeting rooms at Lar’s office will also be available for hire to the public and local community groups to host meetings and events and the flexible space includes a fully equipped board room.

East Lothian’s Provost, Councillor John McMillan, officially opened the new commercial premises. He said: “It’s always great to see more affordable homes becoming available in East Lothian, particularly smaller homes as there is such a high level of demand for these locally. And it’s great to have commercial premises included for the benefit of the local community. 

“I’m sure the Lar office and the convenience store will be really well used and the meeting space for community groups to come together will be a great resource.”

The new Londis store is being run by married couple Ravi and Vaidota Rai, who have lived in Prestonpans for six years. They said: “After a long wait we were able to open the supermarket, which not only meets local needs but has also created six new jobs for local residents. We are very thankful to Lar for giving us the unit to run the business and for the support and cooperation extended by all the Lar team, especially Mikko Ramstedt who has liaised and supported us constantly from the outset.”  

The 16 flats at the development, which had been on the market for over a decade before Lar purchased it, were completed last year and were let in record time given extensive demand for Lar’s properties in East Lothian.

The charity has around 150 homes at other East Lothian developments in Musselburgh, Cockenzie, Prestonpans, Macmerry, Old Craighall and Dunbar.