New Winchburgh homes transform community

The first stage of the expansion of a West Lothian village has taken shape – with the 55 new affordable homes already making a difference to people’s lives.

West Lothian Council Leader, Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick, marked the milestone for Winchburgh with the official opening of the houses.

The homes, delivered by West Lothian Housing Partnership, are part of a £1billion transformation of Winchburgh that will see the village transformed into a town over the next 15 years.

As well as new homes and school buildings the plan includes improved transport links, a marina and green spaces.

Councillor Fitzpatrick said: “Winchburgh is an area that is undergoing huge change and growth and it is vitally important that affordable homes are part of this exciting development. The council, along with our partners West Lothian Housing Partnership, are committed to building new affordable homes for local people. Building new affordable homes will transform the lives of many people and create communities for families to enjoy for generations to come.”

The 55 energy-efficient homes, all for social rent, are the first to be built  by WLHP, part of Wheatley Group, since it was formed in 2002.

They are a mix of 36 flats and 19 terraced family homes. Future new-build plans will see WLHP, which currently has just over 430 homes,  almost double its housing stock between now and 2021.

As well as officially opening the development, Councillor Fitzpatrick dropped in to visit tenant Helen McCollum in her new home.

Helen, 65, moved from Armadale into her two-bedroom flat in January. She said: “It’s been a big change and a lovely change. It’s a beautiful house, it’s really well done.

“The size of the rooms are so spacious and it’s very cosy. I’ve actually had to turn the heating down which I would never do before.

“My housing officer Marisa has been brilliant. If I need anything I just lift the phone and it’s dealt with right away.”

The £7million WLHP development was part-funded by a £3m grant from the Scottish Government. West Lothian Council has recently completed a further 41 homes on the site.

WLHP’s Head of Housing Alex Lamb said: “People moving into our very first new-build homes is a historic moment for us – and I am absolutely thrilled to see the difference it is making already.

“We’re also on site in Whitburn, building 85 new affordable homes, and work is due to start on 146 homes in Livingston town centre at the end of the year. It’s an exciting time for West Lothian.”

The development was built by contractors McTaggarts. As part of the contract with WLHP, McTaggarts created 13 work placements and one full-time job. They also made a donation towards Construction Skills Certification Scheme courses for local young people to gain a qualification in construction.

McTaggarts Director, Janice Russell, said: “Our commitment to delivering benefits to communities beyond bricks and mortar is key to our on-going relationship with Wheatley Group.

“We are pleased to report the young person we employed as part of this contract at Winchburgh is still working with us, and even working on other Wheatley sites we are delivering.”

Top photo: West Lothian Council Leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick officially launches the new affordable homes in Winchburgh. He was joined by Councillor George Paul, Councillor Diane Calder, Fiona Hyslop MSP, WLHP tenant Helen McCollum, Councillor Angela Doran, WLHP Chair John Hill, staff from WLHP and Wheatley, and staff from contractor McTaggarts.

Photo above: Tenant Helen McCollum in her new home with WLHP Chair John Hill and West Lothian Council Leader Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick.