A multi-million pound plan to build affordable homes on the site of the former Summerhill Academy in Aberdeen has taken a step nearer completion.
The city council is looking to build around 375 homes at the Lang Stracht site to boost the number of low cost homes for rent.
The idea is for the local authority to enter into a joint venture with a private sector developer which has yet to be chosen.
The Summerhill scheme is part of proposals to build some 1,000 homes on eight sites across Aberdeen which were approved in principle by councillors last August.
Aberdeen City Council’s Strategic Infrastructure Plan (SIP) commits to the delivery of 2,030 affordable homes in Aberdeen by May 2017 and 2,430 by 2019.
The sites will provide a broad housing mix, including social rent, mid-market rent, shared equity/low-cost home ownership and for private sale. The precise mix of house types and tenures on each site will be decided in due course.
Council leader Jenny Laing said: “Substantial progress is now being made on the Summerhill Academy site, following quickly on from similar action to pave the way to build homes on the former Tillydrone and Craighill Primary School sites and at East Woodcroft in Bridge of Don.
“The development will be sympathetic to its surroundings and should reinvigorate the area through the quality of the design and layout. It will have its own sense of identity and will be a place where people will want to live.
“Aberdeen City Council has a clear commitment to deliver new housing and to provide the sites to make sure we provide them as quickly as possible. The broad range of tenures on all the sites will suit a wide range of people and give local families the opportunity to continue to live and work in Aberdeen – and ensure we are able to attract the key workers we need.”
The council has submitted a proposal of application notice, prior to submission of the formal planning application. This will allow time for the local community to be consulted before the planning application is drawn up.
A drop-in consultation event will be held 2pm-8pm on Monday 27 April at Curl Aberdeen, Lang Stracht.