Hillcrest teams deliver new accessible homes in Dundee
A refurbishment project at Hillbank Road in Dundee has delivered two new wheelchair accessible homes, transforming a former Hillcrest Futures residential support service into high-quality, energy-efficient housing for local people.
The development has created a one-bedroom flat and a three-bedroom flat, bringing the building back into use while helping to meet the growing need for accessible housing.
The project is particularly significant as it marked the first time Hillcrest Enterprises’ Maintenance department acted as the main contractor on a development project, working alongside Hillcrest Homes’ Development team from planning through to completion.
Completed at the end of June following a successful handover period, the project demonstrates how expertise from across the organisation can be brought together to deliver new homes and create opportunities for learning and development.
The refurbishment involved a complete redesign of the ground floor, creating two separate homes tailored to varying needs. New kitchens, bathrooms and heating systems were installed throughout, while the work was carefully managed alongside continued occupation of other parts of the building.
The project was delivered in two phases. Initial enabling works saw the building stripped back to its perimeter walls, with internal layouts reconfigured to accommodate the new homes. Around four 40-foot skips of material were removed during the clearance phase before work began to create the new living spaces.
The homes have also been fitted with a range of sustainable technologies, including solar panels, battery storage systems and air source heat pumps. Installed by Hillcrest’s Maintenance teams, the project marked the first time the department has delivered these technologies in-house, helping to expand skills and build expertise for future developments.
As well as creating much-needed accessible homes, the project provided valuable opportunities for staff development across the organisation. The Maintenance department gained experience delivering new low-carbon technologies, while members of the Development team took on expanded responsibilities to support the coordination and delivery of the project.
James Thomson, Head of Maintenance, commented: “Hillbank Road has been a rewarding project for everyone involved. The result is two high-quality, energy-efficient homes that will make a real difference to the people who live there. The project has also helped us develop new skills and capabilities within Hillcrest Enterprises that we can build on in future projects, particularly around sustainable technologies and modern methods of delivery.”
Lyle Gray, Graduate Trainee within the Development team who took on Project Officer responsibilities for the project, said: “Being part of this project has been a valuable experience. It has given me the opportunity to develop new skills, work closely with colleagues across the organisation and contribute to delivering homes that will have a positive impact on people’s lives. Seeing the project progress from the early stages through to completion has been incredibly rewarding.”
Dean Wilson, Operations Supervisor for Hillcrest Enterprises who acted in a Site Manager role on the project, added: “This was a complex refurbishment that completely transformed the ground floor of the building. The team took great pride in delivering high-quality homes while also installing new technologies that will help reduce energy costs for future tenants. It’s something everyone involved can be proud of.”
Hillcrest is one of Scotland’s leading housing and social care organisations, providing homes and services that help people and communities thrive. Through investment in new and existing housing, Hillcrest is committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable homes that meet the changing needs of local people.
