Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) confirmed today that its new build programme for 2014 will top 100 units of housing for affordable rent.

The Association, by the end of March 2014, will have 102 units on site throughout Argyll.

The developments will be in Oban (40 units), Bowmore (20 units), Inveraray (12 units), Helensburgh (12 units), Connel (8 units), Tarbert (8 units) and Bonawe (2 units).

The total capital value of the projects is £13,654,367 million, made up of contributions from the Scottish Government  of £5,583,789 million, ACHA £5,554,371 million and Argyll and Bute Council £2,516,207 million.  The work on site will provide 162 construction jobs.

Alastair MacGregor, ACHA’s Chief Executive commented, "I would like to put on record my thanks to ACHA, Scottish Government and council colleagues who worked so hard in the last few months to deliver the finance, housing appraisals and necessary consents to get these projects ready to go on site. In these difficult times, these seven new build housing developments will not only provide 102 desperately needed homes but will provide much needed jobs in the housing construction sector until the summer of 2015.”

Michael Russell MSP for Argyll and Bute added, “ACHA goes from strength to strength and I strongly support both the ambition it shows to provide more and more housing in Argyll and the realisation of that ambition on the ground in every part of Argyll .  These houses will provide much needed  attractive homes for local people and as they are being built they will provide jobs for local people too.   That is a win / win which we should all applaud.”

Councillor Robin Currie, Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Strategic Housing said, “The Local Housing Strategy which has been developed by the council, working collaboratively with key partners, acknowledges that to realise the potential of our communities we need to ensure that people have access to sufficient, affordable, suitable housing in Argyll and Bute.  The council has a key enabling role to play in achieving this objective and consequently has ensured that ACHA are financially supported to deliver this widespread affordable new build programme.”

The new build housing initiatives are intended to meet housing needs identified in a number of communities across Argyll and Bute.  The waiting list demand for affordable housing is currently around 3,500.  There are particular pressure points in Oban, Islay, Mid Argyll and Helensburgh.