Sixty-one “high-quality, affordable” homes have been formally handed over by Kingdom Housing Association to the University of St Andrews.
Kingdom declared the “pioneering project” offers “much-needed affordable housing for postgraduate students and university staff, helping to reduce accommodation pressures in St Andrews”.
The housing association undertook the “university village” project at The Grange through its Kingdom Initiatives subsidiary.
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The development provides a mix of houses and cottage flats for rent, with several of the properties being identified as houses of multiple occupation. The University of St Andrews will sign occupancy agreements with customers, while Kingdom Initiatives will manage and maintain the homes.
It is the first time Kingdom and the university have worked in partnership.
Kingdom Group chair Linda Leslie attended the handover and emphasised the significance of the project.
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She said: “We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking partnership with the University of St Andrews. This project is a brilliant example of how much can be achieved through close collaboration and it underlines our commitment to building innovative and sustainable communities.
“The University of St Andrews is an extremely prestigious organisation and I’m proud that Kingdom has been able to support the university’s goals of providing high-quality, affordable homes to postgraduate students.”
University of St Andrews principal Professor Dame Sally Mapstone said: “I am pleased that this unique partnership with Kingdom Initiatives has brought real benefits to our staff, students and their families.
"The investment made by the university in providing high-quality, affordable and sustainable housing demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the lives of postgraduate students and academics, as well as helping us meet ambitious net-zero targets.”
Kingdom said: "All of the homes have been built to building control’s 'silver active' standard of sustainability, are highly energy-efficient and are fitted with solar panels. Hydrogen-ready boilers have been installed, an environmentally conscious choice that offers flexibility by accommodating both natural gas and pure hydrogen.
"This forward-thinking approach supports the transition to more sustainable energy sources, contributing to the reduction of the project's carbon footprint."
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