Aberdeen social housing provision surges forward with Hillcrest’s Debut Developments

Hillcrest Housing Association with support from Aberdeenshire Council and the Scottish Government is set to create 91 new affordable homes in Stonehaven, bolstering Grampian’s stretched housing provision.The development of quality homes located on the Ury Estate will mark Hillcrest Housing Association’s debut in Aberdeenshire. The organisation also recently made its first steps into Aberdeen City, successfully completing nine homes in Cove, with 67 in Countesswells ready for handover this month.The £12.5 million development, consisting of a mixture of houses and flats will see a range of modern energy efficiency innovations built in. These will include solar panels, heat recycling systems, gas central heating and state-of-the-art insulation, all aimed at helping tenants save money.The project will be supported by Aberdeenshire Council and the Scottish Government with funding through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme. Hillcrest will be responsible for the construction and then ongoing management of the 91 affordable properties.Construction of the development is set to begin in April 2019, with the houses anticipated to be completed October 2020. Developer FMR has been contracted to undertake the building of the houses.The Ury Estate sits on the edge of Stonehaven and was once owned by famed ‘pedestrian’ Captain Robert Barclay Allardice, who once walked 1000 miles in 1000 hours for 1000 Guineas in 1809. He is often considered to be the forefather of competitive race-walking. The jewel in the estate’s crown is a ruined 19th century mansion, which is currently undergoing renovation to turn it into a luxury hotel and golf club-house.