The £7 million investment is being delivered by Clark Contracts.

Chief executive Fraser Kelly, operations director Carole Yallop, chair Ronnie Dumma and clerk of works Greg Easton from Waverley Housing were joined by representatives from Clark Contracts on site on Tuesday to mark the start of the development, which will provide 25 two- and three-bedroom houses across four blocks on the town’s Beech Avenue,.

The regeneration of Upper Langlee has been a focus for Waverley Housing for several years and in 2017 Scottish Borders Council and Waverley Housing launched a joint masterplan to look at future options for the housing stock Waverley owns in Beech Avenue, Hawthorn Road, Larch Grove and Laurel Grove, Galashiels.

The regeneration of Langlee began in 2020 with the refurbishment of 68 flats and maisonettes on the estate. Following this, in 2022 a major project milestone was reached with demolition works being completed to clear the site for the upcoming development. The phase 1 construction and follow-up phases will result in up to 109 new build homes being provided which will better meet the needs of existing residents and new tenants within the local community.

Waverley Housing has received support from the Scottish Government More Homes Scotland Division, and the Housing Strategy Team at Scottish Borders Council with financial support for the project provided through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme and the Scottish Borders Council – 2nd Homes Council Tax Fund. This funding, along with significant investment from Waverley Housing itself, will achieve the delivery of phase 1 whilst ensuring the entirety of the programme, and up to 109 units, can be built out.

Ronnie Dumma, board chair at Waverley Housing, said: “This is a significant milestone for Waverley Housing being the organisation’s first new build housing development. This is the initial phase of what will be a multi-phased development which will provide up to 109 new build homes. The first phase will deliver 25 much needed, modern, energy efficient family homes in an area of high identified need. Waverley Housing very much appreciates the significant financial support of Scottish Borders Council and the Scottish Government, and looks forward to working with Clark Contracts.”

Michael Scanlan, director at Clark Contracts, added: “It has been a fantastic effort by everyone involved at Waverley Housing in getting this major regeneration project to this stage. As a result of our increased turnover in the housing sector over recent years, our appointment to many housing frameworks and our partnership with Nova Homes, we formed our dedicated Housing Division last year, who are excited to be delivering this flagship project.”