SURF Award for Goathill

14 December 2023

The Goathill project has won the SURF Award 2023 for Housing and Regeneration. The development was an ambitious initiative by Hebridean Housing Partnership and Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar to meet the varying needs of the Western Isles population, with particular emphasis on the elderly.

The development delivered a 52-bed residential care home, 50 housing with extra care flats, 58 homes for social rent, and 16 Homes for sale through the shared equity scheme.

SURF is Scotland’s Regeneration Forum, promoting best practice in community regeneration. This was the 25th Anniversary of the SURF Awards and the judges’ citation said:
 

The judges were impressed by the ambition of the project, and the overall enthusiasm, collaboration and partnership approach to delivery shone through at every level. The project successfully incorporates a range of tenures, including affordable housing and provision for people with additional care needs, to create a whole new neighbourhood.

The judges reflected that the development felt settled and complete, incorporating design features which complemented the existing environment and island style. The wider community benefits achieved through procurement were also evident including shared apprenticeship schemes, improved road infrastructure and additional space for play.

The accommodation for care had been designed based on a firm foundation of research and frontline engagement. The result includes personalised spaces for the delighted residents and much improved working environments for staff, leading to healthier and happier lives and a real positive addition for the wider islands provision.