We have started work on the development of 77 brand new affordable homes in Irvine.

The new properties will form phase two of the successful Tarryholme development, where 87 homes were built in 2019.

The £13million project – which is supported by a £6million grant from the Scottish Government – should be complete by Autumn 2022, and will include a range of property types to suit all needs, including 2, 3 and 4 bed homes.

In particular, a key focus is on providing homes for those with specific accessibility needs. As such, more than 60% of the properties will be designed to suit veterans, wheelchair users and those with additional mobility needs.

This includes 12 two-bed cottage flats for veterans, 36 two-bed amenity bungalows, 3 two-bed bungalows for wheelchair users and 2 three-bed bungalows for wheelchair users.

The remainder of the development – being built by north Ayrshire-based contractor McTaggart Construction – will be made up of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom general needs housing.

This is the second large-scale development that Irvine HA has announced this year. Last month the association confirmed that work is underway on the development of 63 affordable modular homes in south Ayrshire – the biggest development of its kind in the country.

Irvine Housing Association Paul Hillard said: “This is a really exciting time for us, and for our customers. The first phase of the Tarryholme development delivered excellent quality homes that are now being enjoyed by many families, so it’s great to be starting this next phase.

“There is a real need for new homes in Irvine and, while of course the vast majority of our budget is spent maintaining and improving our existing homes, we are committed to playing our part in delivering much needed extra housing capacity within the area.

“We are delighted to be contributing to the Scottish Government’s plans to deliver 100,000 affordable homes over the next decade. As part of The Riverside Group we are able to invest more money in building more new homes than many of our counterparts and that makes me very proud.”