Case Study: Spittalfield, Perthshire - page 2                       previous page · next page

The Development Perth Housing Association The Group realised that the development of 12 houses would require a great deal of project management and at the suggestion of Scottish Homes made contact with Perth Housing Association. PHA agreed to act as agents to co-ordinate the project and to purchase the large site on the eastern edge of the village. The project had a great appeal for the association they could see how this group were together creating a practical response to local housing needs and helping to sustain their community.

Spittalfield play park

The Spittalfield housing site

The site (in orange, above) was previously a bus depot and coachworks and the derelict buildings blighted the entrance to what was otherwise a most attractive village. The housing association bought the land on the understanding that it would later be transferred with the 12 RHOG recipients on the completion of their homes.

In March 1993 the group interviewed architects who would be willing to work with them on the layout and house design. In April 1993 the Dundee practice of Kerr Duncan McAllister with experience of community architecture, were appointed. For the entire design process, the group were closely involved with every aspect and many winter evenings were spent with the architect pouring over plans and elevations in the village hall.

Spittalfield house: front elevation

new Spittalfield house

To avoid conflict with the charitable aims of Perth Housing Association, the project management of the initiative was transferred to Perth Housing Services Ltd. Perth Housing Services had been established in December 1993 by Perth Housing Association to act as an agency for RHOG and GRO administration and provide services to non-charitable organisations.

After months of considering and rejecting a variety of development models it was decided that Perth Housing Services would be responsible for raising development finance, tendering the work and letting the building contract. In turn each member of the group entered into a sales contract to buy their home on completion.