Westhill development completed despite major sector challenges

A major 63-home development in Westhill, Aberdeenshire, has been successfully completed, marking the end of a challenging but ultimately successful four-year project.

Construction began at Straik Road in April 2022 and progressed well in the early stages. Unfortunately, in late 2024 the project encountered a major challenge when the original contractor, First Endeavour, went into administration.

This huge setback led to temporary pause on site, while the project was salvaged and a new contractor swiftly appointed to restart work on site.

Ogilvie Construction was appointed in 2025 and, working alongside several original subcontractors, brought the development to completion with the first tenants due to get the keys to their new homes this month.

A number of subcontractors returned to the project despite experiencing financial losses as a result of the administration, demonstrating exceptional commitment to delivering much-needed affordable homes for the local community.

The completed development provides 56 flats and seven family homes and is Hillcrest’s first start-to-finish housing development in the Aberdeenshire region.

John Alexander, Hillcrest Chief executive, said: “The successful completion of this development represents a significant achievement in overcoming industry challenges, and highlights the value of collaboration and resilience in delivering vital housing projects.”

Mark Anderson, Project Director, Ogilvie Construction, said: “We are proud to have successfully delivered this project for Hillcrest, supporting the provision of high-quality much needed housing in Aberdeenshire. The collaboration and commitment from everyone involved has been exceptional throughout the build.”

Tenants who have recently taken the keys to their new homes have also commented on how much of a welcome addition the new homes have been.

One tenant, Victoria, said: “Everyone has been helpful at Hillcrest throughout the process and made moving much easier, as moving can be stressful. I had issues with the private landlord where I used to live, so getting a home through Hillcrest has been a positive transition.”

Couple Rachel and Lewis commented on how the new homes had brough their family together: “It has been such an easy process. My partner used to live an hour away and moving has meant that we can now live together as a family.”

New residents Tia and Jack added: “Being in our own home has given us independence. Moving was stress free due to having plenty of time from when we had the allocation interview to when we viewed and signed for the property, and gave us time to prepare to move.”