Building Briefs – February 25th

• CALA Homes hosts health & safety classes for Aberdeen pupils

The interactive sessions, which allowed pupils the opportunity to learn about the importance of health and safety on building sites as well as how new homes are built, were held at Braehead Primary School in Bridge of Don, Milltimber Primary School, Brimmond Primary School and Cults Primary School.

The schools are all located close to CALA’s developments including CALA at Grandhome in Bridge of Don, Oldfold Village in Milltimber, Craibstone Estate and Cults Park and Craigton Mews in Cults.

Sarah Liversidge, health and safety manager at CALA Homes North, hosted the classes tailored to children aged between seven and ten years old and highlighted the ways that workers stay safe on building sites.

The children also had the opportunity to wear some of the safety gear used by workers from CALA Homes sites, such as hard hats and hi vis jackets.

• Residential super prime market expands in Scotland

New residential research from Savills has revealed the growing strength of the super prime market in Scotland.

Edinburgh saw its highest ever number of residential transactions at £1 million and above from January to December 2019 with 196 sales, 35% more than more than the previous high of 145 in 2007 and a rise of 53% compared to 2018.  There were 287 sales at this level across Scotland, just three less than the all-time record of 2007.

There were 15 transactions at £2m and above last year across Scotland, including eight over £3m. This compares with six at £2m and above in 2018 when there were none over £3m. At £3.65m, Kincairney House in Perthshire was the most expensive Scottish sale last year.

Savills research reveals an increase in the number of Scottish buyers, but also in the numbers buying from outside Scotland, including all over the UK, Australia, Japan and the USA.

• Work begins at new council homes in Dunfermline

Fife Council’s community and housing services committee convener, Councillor Judy Hamilton, has marked the start of construction of new council houses in Dunfermline by performing the sod-cutting ceremony.

The development at Lapwing Brae, formerly known as Dover Heights, is part of Fife Council’s Phase Three Affordable Housing Programme which is to deliver 3,500 new affordable houses across all areas of Fife by May 2022.

The houses are being built for the council by Miller Homes as a collaborative project sitting alongside the homebuilder’s new private development.

Phase three of the affordable housing programme represents an investment of £114 million. By increasing the availability of good quality affordable housing, existing tenants who are in overcrowded or under-occupied homes can be allocated a house more appropriate for their needs.

The development of 60 high quality new affordable homes at Lapwing Brae, is a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom houses. It includes a range of house types including bungalows and cottage flats that will make it possible for people who no longer need a large family home to downsize and allow a family who needs more space to move in.

• Barratt Developments helps Bilston bloom in time for spring

Barratt Developments has helped the Midlothian town of Bilston bloom by making a cash donation of £500 to the local community garden.

The Bilston Community Garden will be using its £500 boost from Barratt Homes East and David Wilson Homes – which is currently building its Pentland View development in the town – to purchase tools and equipment, several fruit bushes and trees, as well as a water collection system. 

The Bilston Community Garden aims to create a space for people to enjoy, learn about growing produce or to appreciate the textures and smells for those with sensory needs. In-line with the Woodland Trust’s advice, the Community Garden is hoping to attract wildlife and boost biodiversity by planting bushes and trees.