Harbourside, Irvine

Harbourside delivered 71 new build affordable homes in Irvine, comprising a mix of general needs one and two-storey properties, amenity and wheelchair bungalows, and Alfred Nobel House, a 28-unit supported accommodation block with communal spaces and staff offices.

The development includes a central heat and power plant room serving the assisted living block and amenity bungalows, alongside new roads, parking, utilities, landscaping and drainage infrastructure.

The rural character of the Killearn site brought a distinctive set of challenges. A stock-proof boundary was required to separate the site from the adjacent working farm. Limited on-site storage and constrained access on Lampson Road meant that standard delivery approaches would not work, McTaggart introduced a just-in-time delivery policy and used a McTaggart wagon to collect materials directly from suppliers, significantly reducing traffic and site disruption.

Ground investigations identified invasive species and a tree preservation zone on site. McTaggart established exclusion areas and managed treatment and removal in line with regulatory requirements. A surface water plan was implemented to mitigate flood risk.

A high-voltage diversion delayed permanent power connections. Rather than waiting, McTaggart installed a temporary electrical supply to maintain programme momentum.

Before committing to a finish across all 11 homes, McTaggart constructed a full mock-up house to confirm cladding, render, and roof detailing with planners and the client. This proactive step ensured that material and finish choices were signed off before the main build commenced, avoiding costly changes later.

Early engagement with Stirling Council's Building Control, Roads, and Lighting teams helped secure smooth approvals throughout. Premier Guarantee provided third-party warranty, with early-stage engagement ensuring timely certification.

Amadou Oury, a sixth-year pupil from Balfron High School, came to Lampson Road for a one-week work placement, his first real experience of the construction industry. What started as a placement became something more lasting. McTaggart committed to mentoring Amadou through the Career Ready programme, with fortnightly sessions planned across his final school year.

For a project of eleven homes, this kind of individual investment in a young person's future is exactly what community benefit should look like - a relationship with a real outcome.