Former school site reborn as 85-home scheme

A former primary school site in Dunfermline has been transformed into an 85-home affordable housing development, providing a further boost to Fife Council’s housing programme.

Main contractor Robertson Partnership Homes has completed Blacklaw Road on the 2.6-hectare brownfield site of the former Blacklaw Primary School, which closed and was demolished more than 20 years ago.

The development comprises a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes, alongside five-bedroom townhouses, specialist housing, amenity bungalows and wheelchair-accessible properties.

New streets, footpaths, landscaping, tree planting and green spaces have also been created as part of the scheme.

The project was delivered in six phases to allow homes to be handed over as they were completed, helping tenants move in sooner to meet growing demand for affordable housing.

Before construction began, Robertson carried out extensive enabling works, including infrastructure upgrades, drainage improvements, utility diversions and the creation of a new site entrance.

Sustainability formed a key part of the development, with all homes built to energy-efficient standards featuring high-performance insulation, modern heating systems and solar panels. The properties are expected to achieve an EPC rating of B.

Robertson also focused on delivering social and economic benefits throughout the project, with more than 90 per cent of the workforce living within 30 miles of the site, alongside investment in local suppliers and 589 weeks of apprenticeships delivered through 11 apprentices.

Susan Wilson, commercial director at Robertson Construction Eastern, said: “We continue to work closely with Fife Council as its Affordable Housing Programme delivery partner.

“This is our sixth completed development handover and we are currently working on another site in Lochgelly as part of the overall programme.

“Being a partner to the council is more than just the delivery of high-quality homes; it’s about how we can use our projects to create meaningful value for the local community through supporting the economy, developing skills and delivering benefits that extend beyond the construction.

“We now look forward to completing our final development and continuing to support the local community.”

Councillor Judy Hamilton, Fife Council’s housing spokesperson, added: “It’s fantastic to see this site transformed into a thriving new neighbourhood that will make a real difference to people and families looking for a council house in Dunfermline.

“These 85 high-quality houses will help meet growing housing demand while giving tenants warm, energy-efficient properties that are more affordable to run.

“What makes this development particularly special is the wider impact it has had on the local community.

“Alongside delivering much-needed houses, the project has supported local jobs, apprenticeships, skills development and opportunities for young people, and making sure the benefits have been felt well beyond the site itself.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in bringing Blacklaw Road to life.

“Seeing a former school site given a new purpose and helping to create a strong, sustainable community is something we can all be proud of.”

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