The initiative, set to deliver more than 800 new homes across a dozen new-build projects, is a response to the high demand for affordable housing in the area.

Alan Glasgow, managing director of Wheatley Homes South, said: “Our ambitious new-build and regeneration plans will see more than 800 new affordable homes built across Dumfries and Galloway. We will also be working with partners to improve the local infrastructure, establish better transport links and create jobs and training opportunities for our customers.

“There is a high demand for affordable housing in Dumfries and Galloway and these planned new homes will go a long way to meeting that. However, our investment is far more than just bricks and mortar, it is about creating a better future for our customers right across the region.

“We are proud of the difference our work has already made and the lives we have been able to help transform.”

Councillor Ian Carruthers, chair of the Council’s Economy and Resources Committee, and Strategic Housing Forum, said: “Dumfries and Galloway Council welcome this commitment to building more affordable homes, and I am encouraged to see projects coming forward from across the region.

“I recently chaired an event with partner organisations looking at housing need and demand in this region where we saw the evidence of significant pressure on the sector right now. Our own Strategic Housing Investment Plan will provide support to deliver Wheatley’s target of 800 homes, with over £61million available to developing registered social landlords and private affordable housing developers over the next three years.

“We know that the economic benefit of delivering new homes positively impacts on local people who secure work and training opportunities in the construction sector. I know that Council Officers will continue to work closely with Alan and his team to maximise the benefit of this significant investment opportunity.”

The start of 2024 will see the first families move into the new-build development at the former Curries Yard in Heathhall. Tenants will move into the first phase of 89 homes in January with a further 71 properties expected to be completed by September.

September 2024 will see another significant development completed in the region, with 47 new homes at Ewart Place in Springholm.

In the west, around 80 new properties are to be built across three sites in Stranraer and 75 in Newton Stewart.

Around 30 homes are also being proposed in Johnstonebridge and 112 in Thornhill. All homes will have low-carbon features including solar panels, energy-efficient heating and high levels of insulation.

Wheatley’s efforts will also see sites at Lochside, Annan and Summerhill transformed as part of community-led regenerations. Residents are currently having their say on what they want to see as part of the regenerations, from types of homes built to use of green space.

It was previously revealed that the local economy in Dumfries and Galloway has been boosted by more than £40 million thanks to the massive investment programme by Wheatley Homes South since 2019.