Plans to re-develop the longstanding gap site on Innerleithen High Street have moved a step closer with the announcement that Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has concluded an agreement with Waverco Ltd to acquire three one-bedroom flats to be built on the site.

As well as improving the quality and appearance of the High Street, the flats will provide much needed affordable homes for rent in the town.

The re-development has been made possible by SBC’s decision to invest in this important project and support from the Scottish Government who is providing a grant of £120,000 from its Affordable Housing Supply Programme. Agreement has also been reached with Waverco to acquire a further six, two-bedroom properties upon completion of the adjacent Waverley Road site for the Council’s new National Housing Trust Initiative. 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 purchasing it after a minimum of five years.

It is anticipated that both projects will be developed at the same time, enhancing the townscape both in the High Street and along Waverley Road.

Director of Waverco Ltd, Keith Burns said: “We are delighted to be working with SBC to redevelop this long standing gap site thus providing much needed affordable housing in Innerleithen. We anticipate that works on the gap site will commence early in the new year with completion due late summer 2015.

“We are also pleased to be contributing to the Council’s new National Housing Trust Initiative by the re-development of our adjacent Waverley Road site which will provide a different affordable tenure choice for people seeking to make their home in Innerleithen.” SBC’s Executive Member for Social Work and Housing, Councillor Frances Renton added: “I am pleased to see that progress is being made to redevelop this long-standing prominent gap site. Not only does this bring additional affordable housing to the area, it will also enhance the quality of the local townscape and conservation area, as well as helping to sustain employment in the construction industry.”