Irvine Housing Association is pleased to announce the official opening of its new-build development at Montgomerie Park, Irvine.

The Deputy First Minister for Scotland and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, officially opened the development by unveiling a plaque on 7 April 2008. North Ayrshire Council’s Provost, Robert Rae and the Association’s Chairman, Tommy Farrell assisted Ms Sturgeon.

The event was also attended by Irvine Housing Association’s Board Members and staff together with officials from various organisations including the Scottish Government's Housing and Regeneration Directorate, North Ayrshire Council, other local housing associations, Robert Potter and Partners Architects, Ashleigh Construction Ltd and the new residents of Pavilion Gardens, Montgomerie Park.

Work began on site in September 2006 on the Greenfield site alongside private developers that had already started building. The aim of the Association’s development was to provide high quality affordable housing that blended in with the surrounding area and the other properties being built. The Association delivered this by building 45 houses that reflect the current style and trend seen in many new build properties today. Of the 45 houses there are 34 two-bedroom and 10 three-bedroom general needs accommodation along with 1 three-bedroom wheelchair property. The properties themselves offer spacious accommodation that is light and airy and would suit young families to elderly couples.

Ms Sturgeon met some of the new residents within the development and visited the Carrthuers family in their new home.

Mrs Carruthers said: “We are delighted with our new home, it has made such a difference to us, as before we were living with my parents. It was a little cramped, but we now have lots of room for my two children to play. We can relax and enjoy our new home as we settle into the community.”

Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said: “I’m delighted to be able to open Montgomerie Park and I’d like to congratulate Irvine Housing Association for all the hard work that’s brought us to this stage. The 45 new homes in this development will be a valuable boost to affordable housing provision in Irvine and it’s extremely pleasing for me to see that the residents are already settling in to their new community.”

“The Scottish Government has ambitious plans to give Scotland the housing system it needs in the 21st century, as outlined in our discussion document on the future of housing in Scotland, Firm Foundations. We firmly believe that housing for social rent has a key part to play in giving us the right housing mix to allow everyone in Scotland to access the type of home that best suits their needs.”

Provost Robert Rae said: "This development has once again shown the level and quality of work the Association can produce. Montgomerie Park is an up and coming area in Irvine that the local residents have shown a lot of interest in. Not only will it encourage more people to move to Irvine but with new facilities such as a health centre and primary school planned for the future it will also bring more jobs to the area."

Tommy Farrell said: "The Association is delighted with these new properties and the positive response that has been received from new tenants. The Association values its customers and always strives to deliver the best product and services possible."

The new development cost approximately £4.5 million and was completed within programme. The houses have also been designed to the Secure By Design standard.  Robert Potters and Partners were the appointed design team for the project, whilst Ashleigh Construction Ltd were the main contractor.