Springfield Properties has completed construction of 19 new 2 and 3 bedroom homes bringing a new lease of life to the former garage site along Westbank Road in Macmerry.

The housebuilders have worked to transform the run-down site with the LAR Housing Trust – a Scottish charity created to address the shortage of mid-market rent homes.

The 19 new homes have revitalised the abandoned site in the historic mining village.

Springfield Partnerships managing director, Tom Leggeat, said: “This has been an exciting project for us. It was a challenging pocket of land to secure planning on, but our development has completely changed the Westbank Road streetscape for the better, removing an eyesore and potential hazard from the area.

“It’s been great to see the homes take shape over the last year of construction – they have helped to address the high demand for housing in East Lothian and are a strong addition to our portfolio.

“The homes in Macmerry have also given us an opportunity to work with the LAR group. They have been a brilliant team to work with and we hope to work with them again on other mid-market rent projects.”

LAR chief executive, Ann Leslie, added: “We are delighted to purchase these fantastic new homes, which have attracted considerable interest and demand from local people wishing to stay in the Macmerry area, but who have otherwise been unable to find suitable homes.

“This was our first project with Springfield and we will certainly be looking at other opportunities to work together going forward. Springfield’s quality of work and attention to detail has been superb and I wish their team every success for the future.”