Fife Council’s Affordable Housing Programme has reached another milestone with the completion of a new 44-home extra care community in Lochgelly, delivered by main contractor Robertson Partnership Homes. The site, which had remained vacant since the former care home and other buildings were demolished in 2018, has been transformed into a development comprising 20 amenity homes and a 24-flat residential extra care facility.
Designed for people aged 55 and over with a range of additional care needs, the development offers high-quality, affordable and energy-efficient homes, complemented by improved streetscapes, landscaping, tree planting and secure parking facilities.
The 24-flat extra care facility, which will be operated by Fife Council, includes 10 one-bedroom amenity flats, 10 two-bedroom wheelchair-accessible flats and four two-bedroom amenity flats. The wider development also provides six two-bedroom amenity bungalows, four two-bedroom wheelchair-accessible bungalows, two three-bedroom amenity bungalows and eight one-bedroom amenity bungalows.
All homes have been designed to meet the Scottish Government’s Housing for Varying Needs standards. The bungalows feature wet-floor showers, while wheelchair-accessible properties are equipped with specially designed kitchens incorporating adjustable worktops.
The development is targeting Silver Standard aspects 1 and 2 under the Scottish Government’s Building Standards. Sustainability measures include high-performance insulation, energy-efficient windows and modern heating systems with A-rated boilers. Solar photovoltaic panels will support the homes in achieving an EPC rating of B.
As part of its commitment to delivering social and economic value in the communities where it operates, Robertson prioritised spending with SMEs, utilised local supply chains and delivered 361 apprenticeship weeks throughout the project.
The company also maintained strong links with Fife College, funding six CSCS cards for students and providing 11 weeks of work experience. At Lochgelly High School, taster days and the Robertson Ideal Candidate Programme gave pupils opportunities to gain SCQF qualifications and develop skills to support future employment.
The Lochgelly development marks the seventh and final project delivered by Robertson as part of the latest phase of Fife Council’s Affordable Housing Programme.
Councillor Judy Hamilton, Fife Council’s Spokesperson for Housing and Building Services, said: “It’s fantastic to see these new properties completed and ready to welcome residents.
“This development is about much more than bricks and mortar. We’re creating a place where people can live independently, safely and comfortably, while having access to the support they need as they get older.
“We’ve taken a site that stood empty for several years and transformed it into high-quality, affordable housing that will make a real difference to people’s lives.
“In particular, the extra care facility will help more people remain part of their local community while receiving the care and support they need.
“I’m sure tenants will be delighted with their new houses and the attractive environment that’s been created around them.”
Operational delivery of the development was carried out by Robertson Construction Eastern.
Susan Wilson, Commercial Director at Robertson Construction Eastern, said: “As an affordable housing delivery partner for Fife Council, the completion of these 44 properties at Lochgelly means we have delivered 320 homes in the latest phase of its Affordable Housing Programme.
“These developments are providing quality, affordable and energy-efficient homes for the residents of Fife Council and helping them to meet their commitment to transform vacant sites, generate real benefits, and create thriving communities.”
Robertson Timber Engineering also supported the construction process by supplying high-quality panels and components. Working across design, production and installation, the use of offsite manufacturing helped deliver sustainability benefits, reduce site disruption and minimise waste.