Families move into new £6.8m DGHP development

The final six families received the keys to their new homes in Lincluden last month after the first 26 moved in last September.

The £6.8m development for DGHP, part of Wheatley Group, is on the site of a former stables in north-west Dumfries. It was funded by the Scottish Government and Dumfries and Galloway Council.

The handover of keys marked the completion of the development project.

DGHP tenant Carrie Batey said: “We’ve been really looking forward to moving into our new home.

“There’s so much space and it will really make a difference to us as a family. I still cannot believe this is my home – there’s so much character to the building and it’s going to be a lovely place to call home.

“I’m still pinching myself I’ve got the keys. I’m looking forward to being able to move straight in – everything’s been finished to such a high standard.”

Andrew Johnstone, who also collected keys to his new home this month, added: “Being here will make a massive difference to us, especially to our heating costs. Our housing officer and the entire team have been wonderful – keeping us in the loop at every stage and answering any questions we had.

“We feel as though we’ve won the lottery – we can’t wait to get settled in and be able to call this home.”

The development is a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses, six converted terraced houses and 11 two-bedroom bungalows.

Maureen Dowden, chair of DGHP, said: “This development has taken what was a derelict site and brought it back into use for much-needed, affordable, modern and energy-efficient homes – right in the heart of north-west Dumfries.

“It’s been wonderful to hear from families who have received the keys to their new homes as they start to settle in and look to their future. The homes will make a real difference to the tenants and to the community.”

Lindsay Lauder, Wheatley GroupDirector of Development and Regeneration, added: “I’m delighted we have been able to work with the Scottish Government and Dumfries and Galloway Council, as well as local contractors and consultants, to deliver what is a fantastic development.

“It is wonderful to have been able to refurbish the category B listed former stable block. I hope all of the new tenants enjoy their new homes and benefit from lower fuel bills as a result of low carbon features.”

The development has been designed to reflect the area with blues and greens – including gloss brick work to reflect the River Nith and the grass from the park adjacent to the site.

The main contractor on the site was Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd with Robert Potter & Partners as architects, Ashers Associates as the engineer and McGowan Miller acting as quantity surveyors.