CALEDONIA Housing Association (CHA) recently welcomed Scottish housing secretary Màiri McAllan to Bellsmyre in West Dunbartonshire to tour the first new energy-efficient homes being delivered as part of a major regeneration programme.
The first phase of this initiative has delivered 27 social rented homes and represents a £7.3 million investment supported by £4.4 million of grant funding from the Scottish Government, delivered in partnership with CCG (Scotland) Ltd and West Dunbartonshire Council.
The Bellsmyre regeneration project aims to reinvigorate the community by delivering 138 affordable homes over the next five years, replacing 264 older flats. The homes are built to meet Building Regulations Silver Aspects 1 & 2, incorporating energy-saving features that cut energy demand and help reduce fuel poverty.
Coinciding with Scotland’s Climate Week, the cabinet secretary was introduced to CHA team members, David Wylie (MD of CCG), and two of the contractor’s trade apprentices.
Reiss Fox and Kevin Docherty are fourth year apprentice bricklayers who have been based at the development for eight months. Kevin said, “Alongside Reiss, I have worked on the homes from first foundations to applying external finishes, and it makes me feel very proud to see to see the outcome of my hard work. My time as an apprentice with CCG has been very enjoyable – I feel I have learned a lot, and I am really looking forward to becoming fully qualified.”
CHA chief executive Julie Cosgrove led a tour of the newly completed homes. She added, “Welcoming the cabinet secretary for housing to Bellsmyre is a proud day for everyone at Caledonia. Being able to introduce her to members of the team, who have been critical in the success of this major regeneration project so far, as well as some of our apprentices and touring our new high-quality homes is an important milestone for Bellsmyre as we look forward to progressing the project in the coming years.”
Màiri McAllan commented, “Visiting the Bellsmyre site today was a reminder of the impact a thoughtful development can have. Over the next five years, 138 high-quality, energy-efficient social rented homes will be delivered. The first phase of 27 homes has been supported by £4.4 million in Scottish Government funding. The regeneration of the site will revitalise the area and help to foster a more connected and vibrant community for generations to come.
“This ambitious project is driven by a strong collaboration between Caledonia Housing Association, West Dunbartonshire Council and the Scottish Government and will significantly boost the supply of affordable housing in the area. And as we mark Climate Week, I’m pleased to see that these energy-efficient homes will significantly reduce fuel costs helping to build a greener, more connected community.”
CCG MD David Wylie said, “It was a pleasure to welcome our cabinet secretary for housing to Whiteford Avenue, where the positive impact of housing-led regeneration is clearly demonstrated in Bellsmyre. By working in partnership with Caledonia HA and our design team, we are delivering much-needed homes at pace, helping to ease local housing pressures – particularly for larger families and those currently living in temporary accommodation – while providing tangible benefits for the wider community such as jobs and training opportunities.
“As the first of five phases, this development sets a strong benchmark for the future of housing delivery in Bellsmyre and the wider Dumbarton area, and we look forward to welcoming its first residents very soon.”
