A LONG-STANDING gap site in Innerleithen which has been transformed into three one-bedroom affordable homes has officially opened.

In 2014, an agreement was reached with developers Waverley Tweed Ltd for Scottish Borders Council to acquire the three flats when completed. 

The Scottish Government contributed £120,000 from its Affordable Housing Supply Programme funding towards the purchase of the properties at 41/43 High Street.

The official opening, which took place on Monday, February 20, was carried out by Councillor Graham Garvie, Convenor of Scottish Borders Council and ward member for Tweeddale East. Councillor Garvie was joined by Councillor Frances Renton, SBC’s Executive Member for Social Work and Housing, and fellow ward members. Also in attendance were representative of the Scottish Government, Community Councillors and the developers.

Councillor Renton said: “This project has returned a number of benefits, not only providing affordable accommodation for people with priority needs in the centre of Innerleithen but also improving the quality and appearance of the High Street Conservation Area.

“I am delighted that the Council, with the assistance of the Scottish Government, was able to secure these homes and I wish the new tenants all the best for their future in their new home.”

Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Local Government and Housing, said: “This gap site has been an eyesore in the town for many years, but I am delighted that the Scottish Government has been able to work with Scottish Borders Council and its partners to help deliver this solution.

“The gap site has been replaced with much needed, energy efficient, affordable homes for rent and provides a small but significant contribution to our target to deliver 50,000 affordable homes over the lifetime of this parliament.”

In addition to the High Street site, six two-bedroom properties at the developer’s adjacent site at 10/14 Waverley Road site were also officially opened.

They were acquired through SBC’s National Housing Trust Initiative, with Limited Liability Partnership Bridge Homes taking ownership of the houses.

These properties are aimed at helping people who aspire to buy a home to access a high quality property at a below market rent with the possibility of buying it after a minimum of five years.

Councillor Stuart Bell told us: "It has taken two decades longer than everyone hoped to fill the gap site in Innerleithen; it has certainly taken many years longer than I envisaged when I heard concerns about this in 2012 on many doorsteps in the town.

"But at last the High Street has been tidied up and, I think of more significance, the site is filled with affordable housing units. 

"Along with the related and adjacent development in Waverley Road we have nine new affordable homes in the centre of the town.

"Councillors have been pushing and chivvying about this for years, the Council has stretched its budgets to make this happen and thanks to a financial contribution from the Scottish Government along with the concerted effort from many partners we now have two solutions to two problems, the gap site and more affordable housing. Fantastic!"