Work commences on new affordable homes in Heathery Park, Gulberwick, Shetland

Hjaltland Housing Association is happy to announce it has started construction on twelve new affordable homes at Heathery Park in Gulberwick. The Association received support from both the Shetland Islands Council and the Scottish Government for this development which will provide eight flats and four houses for rent adjacent to its existing properties in the area.

The Association’s Head of Investment Paul Leask said:

“I am delighted we’ve finally been able to start on site and look forward to working with DITT Construction on this development. This design and build project will provide twelve high quality homes next to our existing scheme at North Heathery Park and is a timely investment for the islands economy.”

“Despite the current challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic we are working hard to deliver the development programme and are committed to reducing the high levels of housing need that still exist in our Island communities. Whilst this is a significant milestone we are not resting on our laurels and have plans for developments in Sandwick, Lerwick, Scalloway, Aith, Brae and Walls”.

The Association’s Chief Executive Bryan Leask added:

“The Association, like other developers, has been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic but we’ve worked extremely hard over the last few months to get things back on track and I’d like to acknowledge the significant effort that has gone into getting this project up and running.”

“This inward investment to Shetland is very welcome and a recent report on the impact of social housing demonstrates the significant benefits, both social and economic, it makes to our rural communities.”

“Our main focus during the pandemic has been on supporting our tenants through this difficult period but as we move forward it is clear that working with both the local authority and the Scottish Government we can make a significant contribution to the islands recovery.”

DITT Construction Ltd Director John Tait added:

“The properties are designed to the very high standards required for the Shetland climate and the external spaces are based around giving the pedestrian priority. We have utilised traffic calming measures, planted areas, shared surfaces and link paths to create welcoming and accessible links between the properties. We are delighted to be working with the Association again and look forward to delivering this new affordable housing development in Gulberwick.”