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£4.7 million GHA regeneration will transform homes and lives
Emma Kennedy - August 19, 2016

Almost 50 new affordable homes are taking shape in the latest phase of a major regeneration project in the south side of Glasgow.

The £4.7 million development by Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) will see 47 new modern and energy-efficient flats for social rent at Shawbridge in Pollokshaws.

It is the latest phase in plans to create a vibrant and popular neighbourhood in Pollokshaws – one of eight areas in the city earmarked as a priority for regeneration by Transforming Communities: Glasgow (TC:G) – a partnership between GHA, Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government.

Two years ago 93 new homes for social rent were built on Riverford Road and, last year, two tenement blocks in Shawbridge Street were fully refurbished as 40 mid-market rent flats.

The latest new homes – ranging from one bedroom to four bedroom flats – are being built by McTaggart Construction and are due to be finished in early 2017. They are all environmentally friendly with a ‘Very Good’ energy rating and will benefit form low-energy lighting in common closes and high levels of insulation.

The new flats, five of which will be built for wheelchair users, are being built for GHA tenants whose homes have been demolished as part of the regeneration of the local area. Shawbridge was built in the 1960s, but its multi-storey blocks, low rise tenements and deck access flats grew unpopular with tenants.

Work to transform part of Pollokshaws began in 2008 when the first of nine multi-storey blocks that had stood there since the 1960s were demolished. The final block, on Shawbridge Street, came down in March this year.

The local community, tenants and residents have been actively involved in shaping the regeneration, including through Local Delivery Groups who meet regularly to identify local priorities and manage the way changes are delivered.

A future phase will see a further 42 new affordable homes developed nearby by Loretto Housing.

GHA Chair Gordon Sloan said:

“We are delighted to be working again with local residents and tenants to bring forward this latest phase of the regeneration of Pollokshaws.

The work we have already carried out there, with our partners Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government, has already made a big difference to the area. I know how much tenants already living there enjoy their new homes. These further new homes will be another piece of the transformation of the area.”