Lovell Partnerships has hosted a sod-cutting ceremony to mark the launch of construction work on 100 new social homes in South Queensferry.

The Sanctuary Scotland properties are part of Lovell Partnerships' The Crossings at Bridgewater Village development, which will bring around 400 homes to the area.

The Crossings will be a mixed-tenure site of 398 homes and 14 commercial units, delivered in partnership by Lovell Partnerships, Sanctuary Scotland, Sigma Capital, the City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Government.

Development of the site has been tipped to deliver around 200 jobs, directly by Lovell and through the supply chain. Many of the roles will be for local apprentices, including joiners and bricklayers.

The Crossings will include active travel infrastructure and measures such as rain gardens and green/blue infrastructure that work with the water cycle to promote the health of the site and proper water management. The homes will also feature solar panels and energy efficient boilers.


Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: "It was fantastic to be able to mark Scottish Housing Day by attending the ceremony to see the start of construction of 100 social rented homes here in South Queensferry. This exciting start represents an important step forward in the area's development and will help to alleviate some of the critical pressures that face the Edinburgh's housing sector."

Gillian Lavety, Sanctuary's development director for Scotland, added: "As a leading national housing association, we're committed to ensuring local people have access to affordable, good-quality homes. The Crossings at Bridgewater Village is an exciting development that will make a real difference, and we're delighted to be working with our partners to help meet the established need for more affordable homes in the area."

Sarah Freel, head of partnerships at Lovell, said: "We are particularly proud to be working with Sanctuary Scotland to provide social housing at this development, which will go towards achieving the Scottish Government's target of building 110,000 affordable homes by 2032. With views of the historic Forth bridges and great access to amenities, this development is certain to be one of Edinburgh's most desirable neighbourhoods."