Housing Minister officially opens Kippen Dairy development

The newly built Kippen Dairy development of affordable housing in central Alexandria was officially opened by Housing Minister Kevin Stewart on Tuesday 1 November.

The development was formerly occupied by Kippen Dairy and Leven Cottage Hospital but has lain derelict for many years. It is a pivotal location in the town centre and is part of the proposals for further regeneration of Alexandria Town Centre. The design and layout of the houses has been carefully considered to ensure that it has maximum impact in transforming the area.

Caledonia Housing Association was the first housing association to procure through the Scape National Major Works framework. Scape Group is a public sector owned built environment specialist offering a full suite of national frameworks and innovative design solutions.

Robertson Central commenced the work in April 2015. The 55 new social rented homes contribute to Caledonia and Dunbritton Housing Associations' aims to increase the supply of high quality affordable housing in the Alexandria area. It also supports the Scottish Government target to deliver 50,000 new affordable homes by 2021.

Most of the homes will be managed by Cordale Housing Association, a commitment that was given to Cordale when it became part of the Caledonia Group in April 2014.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said:

"I am delighted that the Scottish Government's affordable housing supply programme was able to support this project with a grant of £3.8 million. This will support the delivery of these affordable, high quality homes and will help address the demand for social rented housing for people in the West Dunbartonshire area.

"We have committed to deliver 50,000 more affordable homes, with 35,000 available for social rent, over the next five years, backed up with investment of more than £3 billion. Projects such as this one mark another step on road to delivering that pledge."

Julie Cosgrove, Caledonia's Chief Executive, said:

"It was great to have the Scottish Housing Minister, Kevin Stewart, officially open the development Kippen Dairy. This was a very important development not only for Caledonia and Dunbritton Housing Association but for the regeneration of Alexandria and for the area as a whole.

"This project is a testament to the successful partnership between Caledonia, Dunbritton and Cordale Housing Associations."

Sephton MacQuire, Chair of Dunbritton Housing Association, said:

"Dunbritton is proud to have had the opportunity of working with Caledonia and Cordale Housing Associations to deliver this fantastic development.

"The six tenants that have moved in to our 'Dunbritton Apartments' on Susannah Street are absolutely delighted with the quality of their new homes.

"We hope that this success results in more joint ventures that will benefit current and future generations in the Vale of Leven."

David Cairns, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Central, said:

"This has been an extremely rewarding project to be involved with.

"It is fantastic to see that the tenants are already speaking so highly about the quality of the new accommodation.

"We have enjoyed working in partnership with Caledonia Housing Association and look forward to seeing the community continue to transform as a result of this development."