Grampian construction community rallies to get vital affordable houses over the line following Stewart Milne collapse
Driven by their dedication to supporting those in housing need during the national housing crisis, a group of companies have gone above and beyond to push 56 unfinished affordable homes to completion at an Aberdeen development site that had gone into liquidation.
Following the announcement over the future of the 56 affordable homes under construction in Cove – comprising 44 apartments and 12 houses – the future of the properties became uncertain.
The homes were part of a wider development of 167 affordable units, set to provide a significant boost to Aberdeen’s affordable housing stock. With a national housing crisis gripping the country and waiting lists for homes longer than ever, the halting of work on these properties caused widespread concern.
However, with the fate of the homes hanging in the balance, and in a major departure from their usual remit, Hillcrest Maintenance stepped in to fill the void left by Stewart Milne, resolving to project manage the development through to completion. This move was supported by Aberdeen City Council and the Scottish Government who had provided a significant amount of funding into the initial development.
Hillcrest Maintenance reached out to many of the tradespeople and companies previously involved in the project. Despite having already experienced uncertainty due to the liquidation, the group resolved to see the homes completed.
Sub-contractors that returned to the project included James Brander Painter and Decorator, Thomas Robertson Electrician, Veitchi Flooring, John Smith Plumbing and Heating, Glenmoir Construction Ltd and cosmetic surface repairs firm Revive the Finish.
Other returning contractors also included Life Landscaping Ltd, Fire Sprinklers Systems UK Ltd, metalworkers AJ Dunbar Engineering Ltd, roofers Briggs Amasco Ltd, Allan Smith Sealants, Scot Tech Fire and Security, groundworkers JKR, airt tightness and energy rating testers MVM Scotland Ltd and sound testers Robin Mackenzie Partnership.
Though liquidators initially stated in January that the homes would not be finished anytime soon, they agreed that the project should continue and by mid-March nearly a full site team was back at work. The 56 homes were completed and ready to welcome tenants by the end of July, marking a significant turnaround and the successful completion of the wider Falkland Avenue development.
Angela Linton, Hillcrest Chief Executive, said: “This project demonstrates the commitment that so many organisations and businesses have to supporting the local community. further funds and appointing a new contractor to complete the project via Stewart Milne’s liquidators would have taken many months – if it had been successful at all – meaning the homes would have been at risk of sitting incomplete for a very long time.
“By doing the right thing and finishing the project despite most of the businesses involved making a financial loss, we’re proud to have prioritised our commitment to the community over profit. These properties can now become homes for those who need them.”
James Thomson, Head of Hillcrest Maintenance, added: “Seeing these homes completed after all of the uncertainty was a huge achievement. It wasn’t easy, and many of the companies involved made significant sacrifices, but the goal of providing housing to families in need was always our main priority.
“This project is a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose, and we’re proud to have been part of that.”
Graham Mann, former Stewart Milne site manager who returned to the see the project completed, said: “Bringing this project over the finish line was a very rewarding experience. After Stewart Milne’s collapse, there were real concerns about whether the home may even be completed. However, everyone returning to the site showed incredible resilience and determination to ensure the project reached the finish line, as we knew these homes were vital for the community.”