Families move into Wheatley’s first homes in South Queensferry

Families move into Wheatley’s first homes in South Queensferry

Tenants Laura and Andy Malarky with their housing officer Lynne Thomson

A family has described moving into their new South Queensferry home as “like winning the lottery” after years spent in temporary accommodation. 

Wheatley Group partnered with Cala Homes to deliver 23 homes for social rent at Builyeon Road – part of a wider development in the area. 

The £4.4 million project was supported by more than £2.4m in grant funding from the Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council. The development includes a mix of eight three-bedroom houses and 15 one and two-bedroom flats.

Laura, 36, and Andy Malarky, 35, moved into their new home with their three children, Lily, 14, Sophia, six, and Poppy, four.

Families move into Wheatley’s first homes in South Queensferry

Laura and Andy in their new home

Laura said: “Getting the call to say we’d been offered a new home felt like winning the lottery – we couldn’t believe it.”

The family had previously been living in temporary accommodation in South Queensferry, and say their new home has transformed their lives, giving them stability and space.

Andy added: “Moving here has been life-changing for all of us. The kids are so much happier – they’re out on their bikes playing with the other children in the street, and we finally feel part of a real community.”

New neighbours Beth Humphrey, 38, and Kenneth McKenzie, 45, moved into their new three-bedroom home with their two children, Caleb, 13, and Charlie, seven.

Families move into Wheatley’s first homes in South Queensferry

Kettleslaw Square houses

The family previously lived in a flat in Leith and say having their own home with a garden has made a huge difference to their lives.

Kenneth said: “It’s been fantastic – we absolutely love it here. Having our own garden and more space has made such a difference for the kids.

“They can get outside and play safely, and we finally have that separation between living and sleeping areas after years of being in a flat.”

Located close to the Queensferry Crossing, the new homes benefit from excellent transport links and are close to schools, shops, and green spaces.

Families move into Wheatley’s first homes in South Queensferry

Beth Humphrey and Kenneth McKenzie

Laura Henderson, managing director of Wheatley Homes East, said: “The new homes form part of a wider development creating a thriving new neighbourhood.

“The development has been supported by City of Edinburgh Council through grant funding, ensuring the delivery of much-needed affordable homes in a sought-after location.”

Over the past year, Wheatley Homes East has delivered nearly 470 new affordable, energy-efficient homes across sites, including West Craigs in Edinburgh, Rosewell, Wallyford, and Penicuik.

Work is also progressing on major developments at West Craigs, Wallyford, Winchburgh and Deans South in Livingston.

Join over 10,200 housing professionals in receiving our FREE daily email newsletter
Share icon
Share this article: