The first tenants have began moving into a new "affordable" housing development in Edinburgh.

The new block, which contains 11 flats, has been built at the Pennywell site in North Edinburgh.

The scheme is part of an £80 million commitment by the council and its development partner Urban Union to build around 700 new homes in the area.

The 21st Century Homes project is set to provide 356 "affordable" homes along with 363 new properties for private sale.

The extensive site is a result of a major £42m investment by the council, which includes a £7.9m Scottish Government grant.


Each home is built to a high energy efficiency standard, using a fabric first approach with high levels of insulation and air tightness.

In addition, Pennywell has received RICS and Scottish Property Awards this year, as well as being shortlisted as a finalist in three categories for the Scottish Home Awards.

Housing Convener Cllr Cammy Day met with tenants for a tour of the newly completed homes on Tuesday, 10 May.

He said: "Pennywell is a fantastic development which captures what we're aiming for across the city - a range of affordable, energy efficient homes that are completed to the highest standard.

"These homes are perfect example of how this can be achieved and the recent well deserved awards are testament to all the hard work from everyone involved."

Over the next ten years, the local authority and its housing partners plan to build 16,000 homes in Edinburgh.

(LM)