Housing Minister marks start of work on 62 homes for Gallowgate
Published by Glasgow Housing Association on Sat 09 Jun 12 @ 22:14
Work has started on 62 new homes in the first phase of a major project to transform a Glasgow community.
Housing Minister Keith Brown marked the launch of work at the Gallowgate, one of eight areas in the city which are a top priority for regeneration.
The new GHA homes, just off Whitevale Street, are due to be finished in summer next year. They will be a mix of 50 houses, complete with front and back gardens, and 12 cottage flats. Six will be built to wheelchair-standard.
Some of the GHA tenants whose homes are being demolished as part of the regeneration of Glasgow will be given the chance to move into the new community. Among them will be residents from the nearby Bluevale and Whitevale multi-storey flats, which are to be demolished.
The £6 million project is being developed by Glasgow Housing Association in partnership with Glasgow City Council, with grant funding from the Scottish Government. The homes are being built by contractor Cruden Building and Renewals Ltd (CBRL).
Gallowgate is part of a city-wide initiative to regenerate eight communities - known as Transformational Regeneration Areas (TRAs). GHA has already built hundreds of homes and plans to build hundreds more over the next few years.
Housing Minister Keith Brown said: "To meet the current economic challenges Glasgow needs strong, vibrant communities.
"As this latest site start illustrates, partners are working to deliver high quality, sustainable affordable housing for tenants in priority regeneration areas across the city. The Scottish Government will continue to do all it can to support similar developments."
GHA is working closely with Cruden Building and Renewals Ltd to maximise job and training opportunities for local people. Already two young people have been taken on as apprentice joiners.
GHA Chair Gordon Sloan said: "It's great to see work starting on this first phase of new-build homes for the Gallowgate - and to see training opportunities for local young people being created too.
"This is a significant step forward in providing local tenants with new, high-quality housing and a new neighbourhood people will be proud to live in for many years to come."
Allan Callaghan, Managing Director of Cruden Building and Renewals Ltd, said: "We're delighted to build on our successful track record with GHA and to be part of the regeneration of the Gallowgate and the creation of this new community. By building new, high quality homes we hope to help improve the quality of life for local residents.
"With GHA we have added a further two new apprentices to our team and are working with GHA to provide jobs for local residents."
All the properties will have a high energy-efficiency rating and a range of safety measures including extra secure doors and windows.
Future phases of housing and other amenities will follow on nearby sites as part of the plans to create a vibrant and popular community.
The local community has been heavily involved in shaping the plans. A local delivery group has been established to ensure the community's views are taken into account at every step of the project. It is made up of local residents, councillors, GHA and other partners.
Councillor Stephen Curran, who chairs the city-wide TRA board, added: "Regeneration is about much more than building new homes. It means a better environment, job opportunities and hope for the future. It's great to see construction starting in the Gallowgate alongside those who have worked hard over many years to make it happen.
"This is also a positive signal for other communities in Glasgow that the City Council and our key partners remain committed to funding and developing the next areas for regeneration across the city."
