WORKS will begin next week on the first stage of the Murtholm Farm development in Langholm.
The site was purchased by Loreburn Housing Association in 2019 and the first phase of housing will see 35 ‘extra care’ bungalows being built; a first for Dumfries and Galloway.
Contractors Cubbie Construction Limited will initially be carrying out enabling works to create a site access point from the A7, utility diversions and the formation of an access road onto the Murtholm site.
The enabling works are expected to take up to six months to complete during which there is likely to be some disruption to traffic on the A7.
After that, construction will begin on the bungalows, along with a new pedestrian footbridge from the west to the east bank of the River Esk.
The high-quality and technology enabled homes are designed for independent living with access to care and support on site. With exceptional energy efficiency, the development will be the first bungalow designed extra care development for the region.
The new homes are expected to be ready for occupation by the end of 2024.
Further phases of affordable housing are programmed for the site in the future.
Graham Robertson, head of development at Loreburn, said: “The work is the culmination of four years of planning. From the purchase of the site in 2019, through the detailed design process and submission of planning applications for the enabling works, the properties, as well as the new bridge.
“The project has been a huge challenge but with the collaboration from partners, including The Scottish Government, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Transport Scotland, Sustrans, the Health and Social Care Partnership for Dumfries and Galloway and Buccleuch Estates Limited, we’re finally seeing our shared commitment come to fruition.”
Lorraine Usher, Loreburn chief executive, added: “This will be a fantastic new development for Langholm and the Esk Valley, allowing people to remain living in their community in a well designed home. “The on-site support will give reassurance that help is close by as and when people need it.”
