Work has started on a development of more than 30 new homes for social rent in Johnstonebridge.
Wheatley Homes South, the largest social landlord in Dumfries and Galloway, is building 33 new high-quality, affordable homes.
The development at MacLean Drive in the village, which will be built by Ashleigh (Scotland), will be a mix of two and three homes and bungalows, all for social rent.
All will have low-carbon features including solar panels, energy-efficient heating and high levels of insulation.
They are part of Wheatley Homes South’s ambitious regeneration plans to meet housing demand across the region, which will see hundreds of homes built across Dumfries and Galloway.
Alex Lamb, Managing Director at Wheatley Homes South, said: “We are pleased work has started in Johnstonebridge and look forward to being able to deliver these much-needed new, affordable homes.
“Our ambitious new-build and regeneration plans will see hundreds of new homes built across the region.
“There is a high demand for affordable housing in Dumfries and Galloway and these new properties in Johnstonebridge will play a big part in meeting that.”
Work on the site is set to last around 16 months with families expected to start moving into their new homes in early 2026.
Euan Clark, Commercial Director at Ashleigh (Scotland), said: “We are delighted to commence work on the latest development for Wheatley Homes South at Johnstonebridge.
“Wheatley is a hugely valued client of ours and projects like this allow us both to provide employment and supply chain opportunities, alongside a number of wider roles and community benefit initiatives.”
The development follows extensive consultation with Johnstonebridge Development Trust, a community-owned organisation aimed at bringing long-term social, economic and environmental benefits to the area.
Helen Thornton, Manager at Johnstonebridge Community Centre, said: “The Johnstonebridge Community Centre and Development Trust are pleased to see the village grow. We are keen to see what the future holds for Johnstonebridge and have positive hopes for the village and its residents.”
It was previously revealed the local economy in Dumfries and Galloway has been boosted by more than £40 million thanks to the massive investment programme by Wheatley Homes South since 2019.
Wheatley Homes South is part of Wheatley Group, Scotland’s leading housing, care and property-management group, which was recently named as the UK’s biggest builder of social housing over the past decade.
