Housing Minister launches start of 335 new homes

Originally published in Evening Times, 16/6/2009

THE first stage of work on a major new housebuilding programme has been launched by Scotland's Housing Minister Alex Neil.

River Clyde Homes is building 335 homes in Port Glasgow and it is part of plans for a total of 1050 houses in the town and Greenock by 2016.

The Port Glasgow project will be a mixture of two, three and four- bedroom homes with gardens, as well as five that will be suitable for wheelchairs. Some will be for renting and others for sale.

Current tenants will move into the new properties when they are completed, with their old homes targeted for demolition.

The work will create jobs for 15 apprentices.

Mr Neil said: "This development will bring significant benefits to the people of Inverclyde.

"It is crucial we provide high quality, affordable homes across Scotland."

Karen Neary, chief executive of River Clyde Homes, said the plans had been drawn up after extensive consultation with tenants, who played an important role in the design of the houses and also the social space around the developments.

She added: "We are all delighted work has now started, giving local people the fresh start, bright future we promised at the time of the stock transfer.

"We have been liaising closely with local people in the regeneration areas who have been involved in everything from the appointment of the architects to how best to work with the sloping nature of the sites."

River Clyde Homes is Scotland's newest and third largest housing association.

It has been given £21million this year by the Scottish Government to support its new-build programme and the repair and maintenance work on existing properties.

Around £135m is expected to be spent building the 1050 new properties in Port Glasgow and Greenock over the next seven years and the housing association says it will work closely with the Inverclyde Construction Forum to use local suppliers and contractors when possible.

RCH plans to demolish 2500 older homes and revamp 5000 existing homes to bring them up to the Scottish Housing Quality Standard by 2016.

Roy Steel, chairman of RCH, added: "The association is committed to creating sustainable communities in addition to providing the best possible housing standards.

"In recognition of this, communities are also involved in planning for green space and play areas to create attractive environments."