On Wednesday 12 July, Scottish Minister for Housing, Paul McLennan, attended a special event to celebrate the return of tenants to Hillcrest’s recently regenerated landmark development at Ellengowan, Dundee.

The regeneration, which was carried out by Campion Homes on behalf of Hillcrest, has replaced 128 old terraced properties that were no longer fit for purpose, with high quality, modern, energy efficient homes. The new development offers a range of homes, including apartments, terraced houses, cottage flats and townhouses, and has retained the welcoming community feel that residents previously cherished.

The open day event gave tenants the chance to gather and socialise and take the opportunity to meet with Hillcrest’s Energy Advice and Tenancy Sustainment teams, who were on hand to offer tips and advice on how to lower energy bills and save money. Tenants and their children were also treated to an animal petting zoo and could visit Hillcrest’s therapeutic garden stand, where they could pot some seeds to grow on their windowsills at home.

The Minister, who was given a tour of the development by Hillcrest’s Chief Executive, Angela Linton, said: “The right to a warm, safe and affordable home is critical to wellbeing and is a right everyone deserves. Hillcrest plays a valuable role in increasing the range of housing available to rent throughout Scotland.

“The Scottish Government has contributed nearly £5.8m to the development through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme against a total cost of £13.6m. This has enabled Hillcrest to provide 50 new affordable homes for social rent and 20 for mid-market rent in phase 1 of their work here.

“I am impressed by the quality of work by Hillcrest at this site. High quality housing is a key pillar of Housing to 2040, whilst also eradicating fuel poverty and homelessness and ensuring everyone has access to green space and essential services.”

Alan Russell, Hillcrest’s Chairperson, who was also at the event, added: “Ellengowan has always been a very special area of Dundee for those who live there, with a strong sense of community. During the redevelopment, we’ve endeavoured to respect and retain these elements, providing new high quality and energy-efficient homes for tenants to make memories in, and continue that sense of community for many years to come.”