CONSTRUCTION work is officially underway on the first phase of the Bellsmyre regeneration project in West Dunbartonshire.
Caledonia Housing Association will deliver the £7.3 million project alongside partners CCG (Scotland), West Dunbartonshire Council, and the Scottish Government, which provided £4.4 million of grant funding.
The first phase of the regeneration initiative will deliver 27 social rented homes and is expected to be completed by spring 2026.
The new homes, including a mix of four, three, and two-bed houses as well as one and two-bed cottage flats, are designed to provide ‘modern, comfortable, and sustainable’ housing for residents. The properties will primarily support tenants currently living in temporary accommodation and those affected by future demolition phases.
The Bellsmyre regeneration project will deliver 138 new affordable homes over the next five years, replacing 264 older flats. Alongside new housing, the project will aim to enhance public spaces, creating a greener and more connected neighbourhood.
Julie Cosgrove, chief executive of Caledonia Housing Association, said, “Start on site marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Bellsmyre. Despite the challenges of recent years, our project team has worked tirelessly to bring us to this point.
“Our commitment to delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes is matched by our ambition to create a thriving and sustainable community. We appreciate the ongoing support from our tenants and the local community as we work through the regeneration programme. I would like to thank West Dunbartonshire Council and the Scottish Government for their vital support in making this happen.”
Scottish Government social justice secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said, “The regeneration work that has begun at Bellsmyre to build 138 high quality energy efficient social rented homes over the next five years will enhance the whole area and create a more connected community. Backed by £4.4 million of Scottish Government funding this partnership with Caledonia Housing Association and West Dunbartonshire Council, will significantly boost the affordable housing supply to meet the needs of the local community for generations to come.
“We have a strong track record in affordable housing and have supported the delivery of more than 136,000 affordable homes since 2007, with more than 97,000 of those being for social rent. We remain focused on delivering 110,000 affordable homes across Scotland by 2032 with at least 70% for social rent and 10% in our rural and island communities, backed by £768 million of investment this year.”
CCG MD David Wylie, said, “Having been involved in the regeneration of Bellsmyre since 2022, CCG is delighted to have now commenced construction on behalf of Caledonia Housing Association at Whiteford Avenue. Through the use of our advanced construction methods and low-carbon heating technologies, these new homes will not only address localised housing needs, but they will also help to tackle fuel poverty and positively impact the environment.
“The legacy of the development will also be felt within the community with two jobs, one trade apprenticeship, and six work placements amongst the various initiatives that CCG will undertake during our construction programme. We look forward to working alongside Caledonia and local community members in the weeks and months ahead.”
