Upper Langlee New Build Programme starts January 2024
The regeneration of Beech Avenue, and the surrounding area of Upper Langlee, has been a priority for Waverley Housing for a number of years. Working closely with Scottish Borders Council a feasibility study was undertaken with the objective of developing a masterplan, and options appraisal for the area. The project first appeared in the Strategic Housing Investment Programme (SHIP) for 2019-2024 and set out a plan to demolish 159 homes in the area, and to replace these with 109 new build homes which would better meet the needs of tenants and residents in the local community.
In 2020 the refurbishment of 68 properties was completed which paved the way for the demolition and new build phase of works to begin. Planning Consent, for the new build programme, was granted on 29 March 2021 which allowed Waverley Housing to progress with the rehousing of tenants in homes affected by the initial demolition programme.
The first phase demolition programme was completed in December 2022. Following this, tenders for the new build phase were sought. The tender invitations were issued through the Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) portal on 14 June 2023 with a tender closing date of 9 August 2023. In the intervening period tender returns were evaluated and Waverley Housing was excited to announce that on 18 December 2023 it accepted a tender from Clark Contracts Ltd to deliver Phase 1 of the Upper Langlee New Build Programme. This represents roughly £6.7M of investment in the first phase of 25 new properties starting on-site, in January 2024.
Throughout the design process Waverley Housing has received formidable support from the Scottish Government More Homes Scotland Division, and the Housing Strategy Team at Scottish Borders Council. Most recently this has manifested itself in financial support being made available through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme and the Scottish Borders Council – 2nd Homes Council Tax Fund and which, along with significant investment from Waverley Housing itself, will achieve the delivery of Phase 1 whilst ensuring the entirety of the programme, and all 109 units, can be built out.
This page of the website will be regularly updated with progress reports.
