Proposals to create flats as part of a £1.2m project at the site of a former medical centre in Moray have moved a step closer to fruition.
The plan for 12 one-bedroom homes has been in the pipeline for Strathcona Road in Forres for the last three years. But the land, near the town’s High Street, has been covered in rubble since the doctor’s surgery was demolished.
However, Moray Council has now put the contract out to tender for firms interested in constructing the flats.
Forres councillor George Alexander, who is also chairman of the authority’s communities committee, revealed yesterday work could begin as early as August.
He said: “The site has already been cleared, so it’s ready to start – and there shouldn’t be much delay once the contract has been awarded.
“The homes are much-needed, absolutely. Over the next three years, we are aiming to build 70 new units a year to keep up with demand.
“These houses really will be good news for Forres and will be a great asset because they will be convenient for [access to] the town centre.”
Construction of the flats at the former health centre is expected to be finished early in 2018
There are currently more than 3,000 people on a waiting list for council homes across the region.
Bigger incentives are now being offered for authority tenants with empty bedrooms to downsize into smaller properties to free up larger homes.
The contract, issued by the authority, is to build 12 new flats, in addition to car park spaces, roads, paths and drains associated with the scheme.
Applicants have until March 24 to bid for the work with the deal expected to be finalised by April 10.
Companies have been encouraged to maximise the use of local contractors and businesses in the construction of the homes as well as creating opportunities for apprentices and trainees.
Moray Council bought the land from NHS Grampian nearly two years ago in a deal that was supported by the Scottish Government.
The former health centre closed in 2011 and was replaced with a modern surgery on Grantown Road after the 1970s building was declared not fit for purpose.