Karen Nicoll, Dundee City Council’s David Godfrey, Councillor Lynne Short and Gavin Watson of DJ Laing at the sod-cutting ceremony. Karen Nicoll, Dundee City Council’s David Godfrey, Councillor Lynne Short and Gavin Watson of DJ Laing at the sod-cutting ceremony.

Plans to bring new housing to new Whitfield as part of a “major regeneration initiative” have commenced this week.

Local developer, D J Laing Homes has returned to the area to start work on their latest development and follow the success of the 200 homes they built previously in Ballumbie.

This latest project for the construction of 26 new build homes is part of a master plan of 97 new houses with 2, 3 and 4 bedroom house styles in 5 varying house designs. The first properties will be ready to move into later this year.

The 5.34-hectare site at Aberlady Crescent was previously home to the Skarne blocks and Greenfield primary school.  More recently the Whitfield area has been upgraded to include The Crescent, a recently opened community Hub and Medical Centre with Ballumbie Primary School all within a short distance.

DJ Laing Homes officially marked the start of their new development at Castle View, Dundee with a Sod Cutting ceremony on 12 April.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of DJ Laing Homes, civil engineering contractor, DJ Laing Contracts, and Dundee City Council’s City Development dept.

Managing Director of D J Laing Homes, Karen Nicoll, said:

“We are delighted to return to the Ballumbie area after a 10 year absence. Our new development will be of a high quality complimenting the new housing stock in Dundee and assisting the further regeneration of Whitfield.  With recent news that Help to Buy funding has been extended there is no better time for house buyers to purchase a new home with quality finishings, effortless style and exceptional value.”

As part of their planning consent, D J Laing Homes will make a financial contribution towards the education provision in the Whitfield area.

D J Laing Homes has also agreed to include public artwork that compliments and enhances the development’s amenity area. Green spaces will also be created throughout the site and a new spine road will connect Berwick Drive to Lothian crescent.

Councillor Lynne Short, city development convener, said the development:

“Will provide opportunities for people to have good, decent houses and gardens and places for children to play”. It’s nice to see them investing in Dundee. We are all about investment. I think the regeneration is fabulous. It’s an area that has changed so much in the last 20 years.”

North-East Councillor Brian Gordon said:

“I have always been in support of the new houses in Whitfield. It’s very welcome. Quality housing and a lot of facilities are going to make a big difference to Whitfield.”

The housing development will be part of the UK Government’s Help to Buy Scheme, which aims to assist first-time buyers get on to the property ladder.

 Commercial Manager of DJ Laing (Contracts), Gavin Watson, said: 

“We are pleased to commence work on this project which has been in the pipeline for a few years.  Starting work on site is great news for our company; providing investment in the local economy and securing employment for our workforce and local sub contractors”.