TWO disused commercial units in Ibrox which had lain empty for over a decade have been transformed into a new home for social rent by Govan Housing Group.
The properties on Harley Street were acquired and refurbished thanks to funding from Glasgow City Council, with the remainder of the project financed by Govan Housing Group.
The one-bedroom home includes an open-plan kitchen and living area, shower room, and cycle storage. Several frontage alterations were made, including the blocking up of existing shopfronts and a new access door added to an existing close.
The new home will shortly be handed over to its first tenant. The project was visited by the depute leader of Glasgow City Council and city convener for housing and development, councillor Ruairi Kelly, to see first-hand how the vacant units had been transformed.
He said, “Conversion and infill are going to be a vitally important way to reuse existing buildings and stitch parts of the city back together. This is a great example of how these types of interventions can deliver much needed housing and make a huge difference to communities. Together with Govan Housing Group, we have been able to transform two disused commercial spaces while protecting some of Glasgow’s historic tenements. It’s great to see this project complete and shortly become someone’s home.”
Caron Quinn, chief executive of Govan Housing Group, added, “Addressing Glasgow’s housing emergency is about making the most of every opportunity to create high-quality affordable homes. While major developments have an important role to play, projects like this show how existing buildings can also be brought back into productive use.
“These units had stood empty for some time, but through a strategic acquisition with Glasgow City Council, close partnership working and innovative design solutions we have been able to transform them into a modern, energy-efficient home. We look forward to welcoming the new tenant and seeing this part of the building contributing to the community once again.”
