The site, once home to a conveyor belt factory until 1985 and later used as an HGV park, has stood vacant for several years. Its transformation into new homes represents a significant investment in the town and a positive step forward for the Netherthird community.

Having acquired the site earlier this month, this development will be Shire Housing Association’s first new build project since 2009 and reflects the Association’s ongoing commitment to meeting housing need across the area.

Working in partnership with Rosewood Homes, the development will provide a mix of one, two and three-bedroom homes designed to meet a wide range of needs. The plans also include homes specifically for older people, along with wheelchair-adapted properties to support accessible living.
The inclusion of homes for older residents and wheelchair-adapted properties will help people to live independently within the community, close to family, friends and local services.

Funding for the project has been secured through grant support from the Scottish Government and existing facilities from Royal Bank of Scotland, demonstrating strong backing for investment in Cumnock’s future.

Construction is due to begin in February 2026, bringing new life to a long-unused site and creating homes that will serve local families for generations to come.

Jim Munro from Shire Housing Association said: “The Association is delighted to be working with Rosewood Homes to deliver 49 new affordable, energy-efficient homes in Cumnock. Collaboration has been key to reaching this important stage of the project and we would like to sincerely thank our funders and the wider project team for their support.

“The team includes our solicitors Harper Macleod, Langmuir and Hay as employer’s agent, our development consultant Emma Garry. In addition, we are grateful to partners, East Ayrshire Council, for their support and commitment in bringing the project to fruition.”

John Stewart from Rosewood Homes added: “We at Rosewood Homes are absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with Shire Housing Association to deliver 49 high-quality, energy-efficient new homes at Craigen’s Road. As a family-run builder with 40 years of experience in central Scotland, this major new development is a fantastic milestone for our continued growth in the affordable housing sector.

“We are committed to making a lasting difference in Cumnock, not just by creating a development that residents will be proud to call home, but by transforming a vacant brownfield site and creating jobs for local tradesmen.”