Orkney Housing Association awards record £11.5m new homes contract

The £11.5 million contract has been awarded to local firm Orkney Builders (Contractors) Ltd and will deliver 41 much needed new homes in Kirkwall. The development will include a mix of homes for social rent, mid-market rent and low cost home ownership, helping to increase housing choice and affordability for Orkney households.

The project forms the next phase of the Walliwall development and represents a significant investment in tackling Orkney’s ongoing housing emergency. The new homes will support local families, young people, and key workers who are struggling to access suitable and affordable housing in the islands.

The development has received substantial financial support from the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Investment Programme and forms part of the Orkney Strategic Housing Investment Plan, which sets out the priority housing projects needed across the islands.

Once complete, the new homes will make an important contribution to increasing the supply of high quality, energy efficient housing in Kirkwall while also supporting the local construction sector.

Craig Spence, chief executive of Orkney Housing Association, said: “Awarding this contract represents the latest major milestone for Orkney Housing Association and for housing delivery in the islands. At £11.5 million, this is the largest single contract we have ever entered into and it reflects both the scale of the housing challenge we face and our commitment to addressing it.

“The Walliwall development will deliver 41 high quality new homes across a range of tenures, providing opportunities for people at different stages of their housing journey. Developments like this are essential if we are to tackle the housing challenges in Orkney and ensure that local people, families and key workers can continue to live and work in our communities.

“We are also very pleased to be working with Orkney Builders (Contractors) Ltd on this project. Using a locally based contractor helps ensure that the investment stays within the local economy and supports employment and skills in the islands.”

Stephen Kemp, managing director of Orkney Builders (Contractors) Ltd, said: “We are excited to have been appointed to deliver this significant project for Orkney Housing Association. As a local contractor, it is particularly rewarding to be involved in building homes that will make such a positive difference for the community.

“This development will support local employment and provide opportunities for apprentices and local suppliers throughout the construction phase. We look forward to working closely with the Housing Association and our partners to deliver high quality homes for the people of Orkney.”

The new homes at Walliwall will be built to modern standards of energy efficiency and accessibility, helping to reduce energy costs for residents while providing comfortable, high quality living spaces.

Construction is expected to begin immediately, with the development making a significant contribution to increasing the supply of affordable homes in Orkney.