A LONG-STANDING gap site in Innerleithen has been transformed into three one-bedroomed affordable homes.

The previous eyesore gap site had been a bone of contention for well over two decades in the town.

But in 2014 an agreement was reached with developers Waverley Tweed Ltd for Scottish Borders Council to acquire the three flats when completed. 

Innerleithen Community Trust chair Ross McGinn said: “The community of Innerleithen is delighted that the gap site that blighted the High Street for nearly 30 years has finally gone and high quality affordable housing units are in place. 

“A blot on the streetscape of our main thoroughfare has been removed and I wish the new occupants of the houses well in their new accommodation.”

The Scottish Government contributed £120,000 from its Affordable Housing Supply Programme funding towards the purchase of the properties at 41/43 High Street.

The official opening, which took place on Monday, was carried out by councillors Graham Garvie and Frances Renton.

Councillor Renton said: “This project has returned a number of benefits, not only providing affordable accommodation for people with priority needs in the centre of Innerleithen, but also improving the quality and appearance of the High Street Conservation Area. I am delighted that the council, with the assistance of the Scottish Government, was able to secure these homes.”

In addition to the High Street site, six two-bedroom properties at the developer’s adjacent site at 10/14 Waverley Road site were also officially opened.

They were acquired through SBC’s National Housing Trust Initiative, with Limited Liability Partnership Bridge Homes taking ownership of the houses.

The properties are aimed at helping people access a high quality property at a below market rent with the possibility of buying it after a minimum of five years.

Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Housing, said: “This gap site has been an eyesore in the town for many years, but I am delighted that the Scottish Government has been able to work with Scottish Borders Council and its partners to help deliver this solution.

"The gap site has been replaced with much needed, energy efficient, affordable homes for rent and provides a small but significant contribution to our target to deliver 50,000 affordable homes over the lifetime of this parliament.”

Councillor Stuart Bell is pleased the project is finally complete. 

He told us: “It has taken two decades longer than everyone hoped to fill the gap site in Innerleithen; it has certainly taken many years longer than I envisaged when I heard concerns about this in 2012 on many doorsteps in the town.

"But at last the High Street has been tidied up and, I think of more significance, the site is filled with affordable housing units.”