Shoosmiths advises Kingdom Housing Association on £8m social housing project

Shoosmiths has advised Kingdom Housing Association Limited on the purchase of a development site from Fife Council that will be used to supply much needed affordable homes to the area.

The site on Fraser Avenue in Inverkeithing will see an estimated 189 affordable homes built in a four-phase project due to complete by 2022. The first phase of 53 houses is to commence later this month at a total cost of £8 million, £4.3m of which part funded by the Scottish government.

Kingdom Housing was selected by the council as the regeneration delivery partner for the area in March 2015. Phased demolition of the former flats is underway with many of the tenants moving into the new homes when completed.

Shoosmiths’ real estate partner Janette Speed and senior associate Laura Bloxham advised Kingdom on all legal aspects of the first-phase purchase including negotiation of the purchase contract, Section 75 Agreement and complex site assembly.

Bill Banks, Kingdom’s chief executive, said: “Regeneration projects of this type and complexity require a high level of collaboration between all parties involved. It is fantastic to receive such support from the Scottish Government and Fife Council in getting this development underway.

“Shoosmiths has once again provided an excellent service and effective legal advice that has ensured the process has been efficient and we look forward to working with them on the next phase of the redevelopment.”

Ms Speed added: “We are very pleased to have advised Kingdom on this project which will provide much need homes for many local families. The project demonstrates Kingdom’s commitment to regeneration and supporting local communities.”