AFFORDABLE housing is one of the keys to Ardrossan’s future as work began on a multi-million pound development in the town.

Cunninghame Housing Association will develop 70 homes on Montgomerie Street as part of the £7.9 million project.

Working in partnership with North Ayrshire Council as well as the main contractor Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd and MAST architects, the work is set to take 65 weeks to complete.

The development will see 70 units being built across the site, comprising 55 general needs flats and houses, 13 amenity flats and 2 wheelchair flats.

Minister for Housing Kevin Stewart visited the site ahead of work starting on August 22 and praised the local housing association for its commitment to providing residents affordable housing.

Mr Stewart said: “I would like to congratulate Cunninghame Housing Association for responding so positively in providing affordable homes on this site, and I pleased the Scottish Government were able to support this with a grant of £5.8 million.

“We need to maintain and increase the supply of new affordable homes to help meet the housing needs of our people.

“This development will provide 70 much needed high quality homes for a mix of families, older people and wheelchair users.

“It will be modern, contemporary and highly energy efficient , as well as delivering community benefits.”