The property in Rowan Terrace, Blackburn, which was built with grant funding support from the Scottish Government, contains 20 one- and two-bedroomed flats for general housing needs. It is situated on what was part of The Mill shopping centre.

Following a community consultation (involving local residents, the Community Council, West Lothian Council and the owners of the land) to discuss what retail provision was required, it was agreed to demolish some of the shopping centre whilst retaining and refurbishing a smaller number of units.

Almond Housing got involved in the regeneration discussions back in 2018 to consider how the land might be used for housing, but the first spade was not placed in the ground until March 2024. Fast forward to 24th September 2025, when the contractor, G Dunbar and Sons, handed over the keys to Almond, who almost straight away, handed them on to tenants. By the first weekend, 19 of the 20 flats were occupied.

Housing manager Jonathan Bertram said: “The team worked really hard to ensure that the property could be occupied as quickly as possible, with Linsey allocating the flats and Wil completing the viewings and sign-ups. It is a fabulous development and all tenants seem really happy with their new homes, which for some is their first home.”

In line with statutory requirements, just over 50% of lets were to those who were homeless or at risk of being homeless. In addition, also housed were two graduates of the Rock Trust Live and Work project, which supports young people to live independently and engage in education, employment or training.