SOUTHSIDE HA COMMEMORATES COMPLETION OF POLLOKSHIELDS DEVELOPMENT

The 120 homes in the last phases were added to the 49 already completed in the summer of 2019.

The project has been supported by the local community and Southside Housing Association welcomed guests to the official opening and to take the opportunity to view some of the properties on the site [Friday 31 May 2024].

The journey of this project began in March 2011, when the Association acquired 272 deck access flats from Glasgow Housing Association as part of the Pollokshields stock transfer agreement. These flats, spanning three distinct phases, had suffered chronic issues including dampness, poor insulation, and security problems for decades.

The new properties of Phases 2 and 3 were designed by jm architects and built by CCG using the firm’s advanced offsite construction methods.

The project achieves the requirements of Housing for Varying Needs, The Glasgow Standard, Secured by Design (Gold Standard) and Glasgow City Council’s ‘Gold Hybrid’ standard for sustainability.

Alex Cameron, chairperson of Southside Housing Association, said:

“Our new homes are more than just buildings; they are a testament to sustainable living.

“The project emphasises minimising carbon usage and energy consumption, featuring high levels of insulation, triple glazing, heat recovery systems, on-site bicycle parking and charging points for electric vehicles.

“We are not only celebrating the completion of these new homes, but the creation of a community where people want to live. A community built from durable materials, designed to serve the local community for many years to come.”

Mr Patrick Feeney, a new resident at the site, is delighted with his new flat. He added:

“Our favourite feature is the balcony. It’s great having our own private outdoor space, which we didn’t have in a traditional tenement before.

“Our flat was so warm over winter, which makes a huge difference to our bills, and we are already establishing a really positive community spirit.”

Alongside the construction of the new homes, CCG also supported a wide variety of community-based initiatives.

A £10,000 donation of fuel vouchers was distributed to SHA tenants and the wider community as well as £7,000 that contributed to the upgrade of a local community hub on Shields Road.

A further £3,000 was also donated to the Glendale Women’s Café whilst £10,000 was donated to the Pollokshields Food Point in 2021.