Work begins on key workers homes on Aberdeen jail site

The development of a former Aberdeen prison site into affordable homes for key workers is officially underway.The £21 million project, which will see Sanctuary create 124 properties in Torry on land once occupied by HMP Craiginches, was made possible by an £8m grant from the Scottish Government.A total of 18 houses and 106 flats will be available to local teachers, medical staff and other key workers for mid-market rent. By providing accommodation more affordable than the private rented sector, the development will offer up housing options to key workers in Aberdeen.Plans to redevelop surplus public sector sites into hundreds of affordable homes were announced last year by then social justice secretary Alex Neil.Sanctuary’s site contractor Robertson Construction will recruit eight apprentices over the course of the project. The homes are due to be handed to Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association in March 2018.Yesterday, minister for local government and housing, Kevin Stewart MSP, cut the sod for construction work to begin.