The first residents moved into the new Harewood Road housing development today as Edinburgh City Council finished the first affordable housing project since the beginning of lockdown.
The new housing development is part of a multimillion-pound effort to transform Craigmillar Town centre and contribute to Edinburgh's goal of building 20,000 affordable new homes by 2030.
Harewood Road's new energy-efficient complex offers Edinburgh locals 61 homes for social rent and 133 for mid-market rent, which have footpaths and cycle connections to Craigmillar Park.
Some residents arrived at the site today where they were handed keys by Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Kate Campbell and Depute Convener Mandy Watt.
Councillor Kate Campbell, Edinburgh's Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: "It's fantastic to meet with the new residents and see what a difference these bright and modern homes are going to make to their lives.
"Making sure everyone has access to a safe, warm and affordable place to live has long been our priority and it's going to be as important as ever to progress our plans to build 20,000 new homes as we move on from the pandemic.
"So being able to get construction underway, see these homes complete in Craigmillar and move new tenants in is a big milestone.
"We’re also committed to pushing forward with a green recovery for the City and these homes, with their focus on low carbon and energy efficiency, are a perfect example of how we deliver a project."
William and Adele Halliday plus their children have moved into a three-bedroom home at the Craigmillar site.
William said: "We have a 10 year old, a one year old and another on the way so the move is perfect timing for us as a family.
"We had been living nearby in a flat on the 10th floor of a high rise - now we have our own home and the kids have a garden to play in.
"It's very spacious and modern.
"We're delighted with it and enjoying settling in."
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New resident Valerie McMillan added: "I love my new home, I'm here to stay.
"I feel so much more comfortable here and the house is really bright and sunny.
"I haven't had to put the heating on once and it's very warm.
"When I was 18 I lived on this street in my first home, now I'm 52 and I've come full circle. I'm home again.
"You notice a big difference in how the streets and the shops look. It's all change and a really nice area with a tight community - everyone I've met says hello and is very friendly."
