Carling Property Group welcomes first residents to St. Stephen’s new apartments
Eight new residents have received the keys to their new apartments in a former old school house in Blairgowrie.
Carling Property Group’s latest affordable housing project is a set of seven one-bedroom properties and one studio apartment occupying the former St. Stephen’s RC Primary School.
The Blairgowrie apartments, with rents starting at £250 a month, are being let through the Perth and Kinross Council-run PKC Lets.
Priority for applications was given to those working in the local area, over-55s and applicants with medical needs. There was strong interest in the new apartments, which feature secondary glazing, new flooring, private parking and disabled access. Enquiries came from a wide range of people including working professionals and retirees, demonstrating the demand for affordable accommodation in Blairgowrie. All the potential tenants who were given a ‘first look’ of the properties were delighted with the accommodation and quick to snap them up.
Kayley Hallgarth from PKC explains; “Within a day of having the flats advertised we became inundated with calls and e-mail enquiries with people looking to view the flats straight away. They have been extremely popular. We had our first tenant signing and moving in within 5 days of viewing the flats.
I think the Old School House conversion has not only transformed an empty building and brought it back to life but it has also provided people within the local community good quality, affordable housing. The flats have been made to a very high standard giving all the tenants very modern, bright and spacious living areas, whilst keeping the traditional character of the building which is really nice to see.”
George Retrick was welcomed to his new home by Leanne Carling, co-founder of Carling Property Group, and Kayley Hallgarth, PKC Lets Private Sector Officer.
Already an established Blairgowrie resident, George is downsizing from a larger property in Rattray, which was proving difficult to keep warm over winter.
“I’m so much closer to family now, with my sister living just around the corner,” said George. “This flat will be easier to keep heated, and it’s much closer to the facilities in the town centre. It’s perfect for me.”
Funded partly by the Scottish Government’s Rural and Islands Housing Fund, which helps change buildings into homes, the new properties offer much-needed affordable housing in Blairgowrie.
