THE first council homes to be built in Barrhead for a generation were officially opened yesterday.
Properties in Fenwick Drive and Oakbank Drive, along with some in Robertson Street and Cross Arthurlie Street are the first developments completed as part of East Renfrewshire Council’s plans to build more than 200 homes in the coming years.
The properties in Fenwick Drive and Oakbank Drive, made up of six one-bedroom flats and four three-bedroom houses, are now occupied by council tenants who were facing homelessness, those who lived in overcrowded homes and those who wanted to downsize.
Meanwhile, four families and nine tenants aged 60 and above have moved into four three-bedroom houses and nine one-bedroom flats in Robertson Street and Cross Arthurlie Street, including a fully-adapted home suitable for a wheelchair user.
A third development of properties is expected to be completed in Blackbyres Court in September.
Scottish Housing Minister Kevin Stewart visited Barrhead yesterday for the official opening ceremony.
He said: “A house is so much more than just a place to live – it provides a sense of belonging, independence and pride and promotes wellbeing.
“We want everyone in Scotland to be able to afford a warm, safe, energy-efficient place to call home. That’s why we’re investing £3billion to help us achieve our target of 50,000 affordable homes by 2021, of which 35,000 will be for social rent.
“These high-quality new homes in East Renfrewshire are a testament to the partnership working between councils and innovative construction firms. Providing a mix of housing to meet people’s needs is essential in establishing vibrant and thriving communities.”
Each of the projects are being delivered in partnership with leading building contractor CCG (Scotland) Ltd.
Council leader Tony Buchanan added: “Without the funding received from the Scottish Government, this project would not have been possible, so I would like to thank them for their continued support and investment.
“East Renfrewshire continues to be popular place to live and, with a diverse population, it is pleasing we are able to provide a range of different types of homes.”
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