A group of Johnstone residents have toured the site of where their new homes will be built as McTaggart Construction begins work on the £14.2 million Renfrewshire Council project.
The development will see 70 homes built on the site of the former Cochrane Castle Primary School in the first phase of works.
The new homes will be a mix of property types and sizes and have their own designated garden areas with many being wheelchair accessible. Energy efficiency measures include air source heat pumps.
The work is part of Renfrewshire Council’s decade-long housing-led regeneration and renewal programme, which will benefit around 1,600 homes across Renfrewshire. The council has delivered 315 new-build council homes in recent years, with developments completed in Bishopton, Johnstone, and Ferguslie Park in Paisley.
McTaggart Construction has developed an employability programme in partnership with local schools as part of the Johnstone project, offering training and testing to pupils aspiring to enter the construction industry.
The contractor will also create new job opportunities within the community, deliver work experience placements, and host industry awareness events to inspire the next generation of construction professionals.
Janice Russell, MD of McTaggart Construction, commented, “We’re absolutely delighted to be breaking ground on our second project for Renfrewshire Council this year. The Howwood Road development represents more than 70 new affordable homes, it’s about creating real opportunities and lasting impact for this community.
“Our employability programme, work placements, and job creation initiatives demonstrate our commitment to ensuring local people benefit directly from this development. It was particularly special to have some of the future residents join us at today’s sod cutting event – seeing their excitement and knowing we’re helping to build their futures makes everything we do worthwhile.”
