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Delivering important canal investment

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Written by Roma Publications

 CALA Homes is to officially hand over a tourism-boost, as it completes its award winning The Mooring development at Ratho.

The housebuilder undertook one of the most innovative and challenging projects in its history by building a canal mooring basin as part of its development on the banks of the Union Canal.

Now the boating facility – which has berths for up to 14 barges – is to be officially handed over to Scottish Canals, to be maintained as a publicly-owned asset, which will benefit generations to come.

Derek Lawson, Land Director of CALA Homes said:

“We look forward to handing over the canal basin, and believe that it will reinforce Ratho as a tourism destination on the Union Canal.

“Everyone at CALA hopes the new canal basin and facilities will benefit Ratho for many years to come.”

Since construction work started in 2010, the Mooring has proved popular with homeowners, having sold out in record time, creating a vibrant addition to the local community.

Meanwhile, the success has been shared within the local community, with CALA sponsoring Currie Rugby Club and Ratho Park Golf Club.

These benefits to the local economy are expected to continue to increase as the canal basin becomes an important asset of Scottish Canals, making it an example of successful public and private partnership.

The Mooring at Ratho will offer eight families the chance to live a life less ordinary on the water of the Union Canal in the innovative basin.

Katie Hughes, Director of Estates at Scottish Canals, said: “The new basin at Ratho is a fantastic addition to the Union Canal and marks another step in the on-going renaissance of the waterway.

“Ratho is one of the most picturesque villages on the canal and is an ideal site for our latest Living on Water residential moorings.

“Whether they’re living a life less ordinary on the waters of the Union Canal or in CALA’s new development, we look forward to welcoming even more families to the area.”

For CALA Homes the handover marks the completion of a ten year long project, which threw up various challenges not normally faced by house builders.

Mr Lawson added: “It’s fair to say this was one of our most challenging projects as the specialist engineering and expertise required for this site were significant, while the market decline caused by the recession also affected our programme.

“The completion of the project is therefore testament to CALA’s determination to deliver a high quality residential environment.”

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Roma Publications