Affordable Housing: how can Scotland’s construction market deliver?

Demand for a significant increase in the supply of affordable homes in tackling Scotland’s housing crisis has been the subject of much debate for years. In 2016, The Scottish Government committed to building 50,000 affordable homes before 2021 – the largest housing programme of its kind in Scotland since the 1970s.

With such an ambitious target, it is delivery that will count – and that involves a lot of market players! Critics, particularly those within the construction industry, have highlighted that delivery isn’t achievable; yet recent reports show that Scotland’s housing associations are more optimistic, with site completions showing signs of meeting the target. Successful ongoing delivery depends upon hundreds of organisations: local authorities, housing associations, investors, developers, house builders, contractors, design teams and supply chains all working together.

How can the construction industry deliver an increase in the total stock of affordable homes in Scotland? What are the current and future challenges? And are there the resources – skills, land and finance to support delivery?

Mackenzie England invite you to join us at 200 SVS for this panel debate to hear from a range of construction industry experts as they discuss their experiences and outline their approach to the challenges in delivering affordable housing. At this event in association with RICS Scotland and CIOB, you will have the opportunity to participate in the debate and explore how the market has and can continue to successfully satisfy Scotland’s demand for affordable housing.

The event will open with networking drinks and canapes at 6pm with the debate kicking off at 6.30pm.

This event is free to attend and open to all interested parties*, however spaces are limited so please register here to participate in this opportunity to question, engage with and learn from fellow market professionals. After registering to attend, you will be invited to submit questions for the panel to contribute to the debate on the night. [*Please note this event is not open to recruitment companies.]

Panel:

chaired by: Andrew Richards, senior figure in the housebuilding sector

• Allan Briggs, Director – Social Housing, JLL

• John Edwards, Partner, Brown + Wallace and non-executive Board Member, RICS Scotland

• Jackie McIntosh, Director of Property Development & Initiatives, Wheatley Group

• Colette McKenna, Development and Regeneration Manager, City of Edinburgh Council

• Calum Murray, Director, CCG

• David Smith, Managing Director, Ashleigh Building