Press release - 25 May 2020

In an area where there is high demand for affordable homes, the development will provide quality homes for social rent to meet the varying housing needs of families, couples and single people.

 
The community regeneration project will see the conversion of two historic granite school buildings along with new build.  Up to 50 affordable homes will be provided, a mix of one, two, three and five bedroom houses and apartments set in a mixed soft and hard landscape.  Multi-purpose community facilities, including a small nursery, will be provided in partnership with Torry Development Trust.  

 

Neil Clapperton chief executive of Grampian Housing Association said:-

 

“It’s heartening to get such positive news in these difficult times and to know that we are still doing great things for communities in Aberdeen.  Responding to people’s housing and social needs is at the heart of the project.  We will deliver our ambition by continuing to engage with the community to collectively build its future.”   
 
David Fryer, lead trustee with the Torry Development Trust said:-

"This is most welcome news, as securing planning consent for our regeneration project at Victoria Road is a big step towards restoring the fine granite buildings of old school.  Our joint working has brought in support from across all sectors and will build a long term project that will bring benefits to Torry and Aberdeen as the granite city.”
 
David Murray, David Murray Associates chartered architects said:-

“It is fitting that this project absolutely meets the Scottish Government’s guidance for communities to be resilient and to take control of their circumstances.  In the spirit of the age, it builds on the new sense of community we are all experiencing.”
 

In September 2018, Aberdeen City Council announced Grampian Housing Association as the preferred bidder in a partnership project with Torry Development Trust (TDT).  Transfer of ownership of the site was completed in June 2019 when the keys were handed over to the Grampian Housing Association.  The planning application was submitted in November 2019 following a successful consultation period where people indicated their support for the proposals.  

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For more information please contact:

Sandra MacIntyre, Grampian Housing Association

Tel: 01224 202916 (DD) / 078100 34851

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Notes to Editors

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Grampian Housing Association’s overall strategy is to develop sustainable communities, with a balance of tenure types including social housing, mid-market (affordable) and market rent as well as low cost home ownership (part buy, shared equity).  

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With homes suitable for single people, couples, families, the elderly and people with special needs we aim to meet the housing needs of a wide range of client groups.

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In recognition of the link between housing need and other forms of social exclusion we also provide money advice and debt counselling, housing support, routes into work and support the development of community facilities.

 

Services for the voluntary and public sectors include business development, environmental services, office accommodation and a health centre.

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Development Trusts

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Joint projects involving development trusts and housing associations are nothing new and this initiative follows on from the achievement of Helmsdale and District Development Trust in the North of Scotland, and Mull and Iona Development Trust on the islands.  Further details of these achievements, and the 250 Development Trusts across Scotland can be found on the DTAS website at www.dtascot.org.uk