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New residents settle in as Smithfield council housing development takes shape

05 October 2017

The first residents of a major new council housing development have given their seal of approval to the project as Aberdeen City Council prepares to roll out the welcome mat for the next wave of tenants.

The Smithfield site will feature 99 properties when complete, designed by Lippe Architects and built by CHAP Construction.

Tenants of the first 12 properties, all three-bedroom semi-detached houses, have settled in after receiving their keys over the summer and this year a further 32 homes, including 24 two-bedroom apartments, will be handed over.

Aberdeen City Council co-leader Cllr Jenny Laing visited the site today to find out more about the first impressions of residents.

Cllr Laing said: “When we embarked on the Smithfield project we were enthusiastic about the proposals – to see the development come to life from the plans we first saw is fantastic, even more so when you hear of the impact these houses have made on the lives of tenants.

“From the outset the focus of the design team was on creating family-friendly homes and everything we see and hear tells us they have fulfilled that brief. The next phases of properties will be handed over during the winter and work is progressing well as we move towards completing the project.

“The 99 council homes at Smithfield and the 80 under construction nearby at Manor Walk are part of the wider commitment to addressing the housing issues we face in Aberdeen and the Council is determined to press forward with ambitious goals of delivering 1,000 affordable homes and 1,000 private development homes, with the potential for a further 1,000 homes, through our partnership with Places for People.

“It is a long-term vision to tackle longstanding issues - but we do not underestimate the importance of the short-term goals. At Smithfield we have taken another positive step forward with the handover of the first phase of houses. “

The Smithfield development will comprise 42 three and four-bedroom semi-detached properties and 57 one and two-bedroom apartments.

Karen Underwood, who moved into her new home in June with husband Adrian and their two children, believes there is already a sense of community in Aberdeen’s newest council housing development.

Mrs Underwood said: “We were delighted to move in to our new home and are very settled already. The house is perfect for our needs and the care and attention that has gone into the design and construction is obvious, we couldn’t be happier.

“The children love the space they have, inside and outside, and as a family we take a lot of pride in the property and the development as a whole.

“Our previous tenancy was nearby, so we already know the area well, but these extra houses have added something new. There was already a real sense of community and that feels like it will go from strength to strength, particularly with more new houses due to be finished soon and bringing other families and individuals together.”