Springfield has signed a deal with Wheatley Group worth £9.7m to drive the regeneration of Deans South in Livingston.
The partnership will deliver new homes, with Springfield building the first 46 properties within 2.9 acres of the housing estate.
The homes will use air source heat pumps and include a mix of one and two bed cottage flats and two and three-bedroom homes, all allocated for social rent through Wheatley Homes East.
In addition, nine private homes will be built for existing homeowners, with construction work due to start this summer.
Springfield Partnerships managing director Tom Leggeat said: “The signing of this contract signals a momentous moment in the story of Deans South and we are incredibly proud of the leading role we have played to ensure we can finally bring the site back to life and give people the homes they deserve.
“Crucially, it ensures that alongside the much-needed social rented homes, we can also deliver on our promise to provide a ‘home for a home’ for those homeowners who have lived in Dean South for decades.”
Hannah Bardell, MP for Livingston, said: “Ahead of being elected in 2015 I visited a number of Deans South residents to hear first-hand what they faced.
“I was absolutely determined that I would do everything I can as the local MP to see this issue resolved and my team and I have worked closely with residents, the local council and Springfield to help find this resolution.
“I am incredibly grateful to all involved and commend Springfield on being so willing to support and persevere to help our Deans South residents who deserve nothing less that this excellent result.”
Local resident Kerry Macintosh bought her three-bed home in 2002 and had high hopes for her community, but the mum of two was devastated when a fault in the concrete used to build it was identified.
Earmarked for demolition, many local people left the area, however she remained, as the financial deal offered to move from her home didn’t match the amount she paid.
Macintosh will now get a new three-bed home, as part of a ‘home for a home’ deal agreed with the housebuilder.
“It is astounding that it has taken 20 years to get to this point and it’s hard to articulate just how relieved I am.
“It has been a journey to say the least and at times I have been demoralised and frustrated, but I have always been able to see the potential of Deans South and have remained resolute that I want to be part of the community.”
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