TENANTS will begin moving into a £21 million housing development in Govan next month.
Govan Housing Association, which is building its largest ever development of 92 homes at Water Row, has revealed that the first tenants will be in their homes in time for Christmas.
The housing association will take delivery of one of the five blocks being constructed in November. The homes – with an additional six commercial units beneath them – are within touching distance of the new Govan-Partick bridge.
The housing and the £29.5 million bridge form part of a wider masterplan to help regenerate the community.
Caron Quinn, Govan Housing Association’s group chief executive, said, “These new homes are the first phase of a bigger multi-million pound masterplan which will breathe new life into the Govan community. The delivery of much-needed affordable homes in the heart of our community remains a number one priority for Govan Housing Association.”
The construction has been undertaken by CCG, with the homes designed to meet Glasgow City Council’s ‘Glasgow Standard’ for new build housing.
All 92 flats will have two bedrooms, with 10% being designed to ‘wheelchair adaptable’ standards. The development will be between four and six-storeys high.
In a boost to the community, there has been ongoing training and employment opportunities delivered by CCG, with particular emphasis on work experience and apprenticeship opportunities.
One of those benefiting is 17-year-old Govan resident and apprentice Brendan Simpson, who is working towards being a joiner. Brendan joined CCG alongside 17 others as part of the firm’s annual apprentice intake and will now undertake a four-year programme with the company whilst studying at Glasgow Kelvin College.
CCG director John Baggley commented, “These new, energy-efficient homes and the Govan-Patrick bridge will be transformative for the local area and equally so, the legacy of jobs, training and work placement opportunities will go a long way to supporting community members for years to come.
“Alongside the appointment of Brendan, local residents make up two of the four jobs that we have created thus far whilst our partnership with Developing Young Workforce and DWP Govan has also helped deliver three site-based work placements. We are delighted to be to working with Govan Housing Association and look forward to welcoming tenants within the coming weeks.”
Funding for the housing has included grants from the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme, the Glasgow City Region City Deal and Clyde Mission Fund.
Improvements to the appearance of the area surrounding the new homes and commercial units will also be carried out.
Councillor Kenny McLean, convener for housing at Glasgow City Council, added, “This new development at Water Row will not only provide fantastic new homes for the people who will live there, but is another example of the transformation of the Clydeside and Govan currently taking place.”
