HOUSING association River Clyde Homes revealed it has handed over the first 50 homes of its waterfront development at James Watt Dock in Greenock.
Residents have been moving into their new homes, constructed by Cruden Building, in phases over the past five weeks. Once complete, 137 homes over five blocks will offer views over the historic dock and the River Clyde. They are the association’s first properties on the waterfront.
The first occupants include John and Elizabeth Bryan, who married 57 years ago and have lived in Inverclyde all their lives. They had been living in one of the flats behind the recently closed Sir Gabriel Wood mariners’ home for 11 years.
“We were settled within a week,” Elizabeth, who is pleased with the property’s close proximity to public transport and shops. John, who is originally from Port Glasgow, already  feels at home. He worked in the merchant navy and then at the Scotts Yard in Greenock as a rigger. “I worked at the Great Harbour for a while too,” he added. “And it’s been really nice to look out over the much changed and quieter landscape.”
The development is scheduled to be completed in August this year and is part of River Clyde Homes’ programme to build over 450 new properties. Work is underway on two further sites in Port Glasgow.
Carine Strain, senior asset and development manager at River Clyde Homes, said, “It’s always a pleasure to hand over new homes to customers, but particularly at this time, when everyone is facing so many challenges in their lives. My thanks go to all those who have been involved in getting this magnificent development to completion: from the design team to the planners and our own staff who have managed the project and helped customers settle in. Particular thanks must go to Cruden Building who worked tirelessly to ensure the homes could be delivered as soon as possible despite a period of Government restrictions.”
Christopher Dunn, operations manager at Cruden Building, added, “It’s great to see how happy The Bryan’s are in their new home and the progress that we are making in delivering this landmark new waterfront development which provides quality, energy efficient homes with stunning River Clyde views. Throughout this development, Cruden has supported the local area by providing 13 full time jobs, three apprenticeships, four work placements and providing donations and support to local schools and nurseries.”
