WATER ROW REGENERATION TO HIT MAJOR MILESTONE THIS WINTER

The housing association will take delivery of one of the five blocks being constructed in November clearing the way for them to be let to tenants.

This week Govan Housing Association said the news was ”a further step forward” in its promise to deliver affordable housing as part of the ongoing regeneration of Govan.

The new homes – with an additional six commercial units beneath them – are within touching distance of the new Govan-Partick bridge whose main span was floated up the Clyde earlier this month.

The housing and the £29.5 million bridge are part of a wider multi-million masterplan to help regenerate the community.

Caron Quinn, Govan Housing Association’s Group Chief Executive, said:  

“These new homes are the first phase of a bigger multi-million pound Masterplan which will breathe new life into the Govan community. The delivery of much-needed affordable homes in the heart of our community remains a number one priority for Govan Housing Association.

“It is great news that our tenants will begin moving into their new homes as soon as November in what is a first phase.”

“We also acknowledge the efforts of many partners and agencies in working together and look forward to delivering new housing and further regeneration for our community.”

CCG (Scotland) is leading the construction alongside design team partners Collective Architecture and G3.

The homes are being constructed using CCG’s enhanced closed panel timber system known as ‘iQ’ which is also integrated with the company’s own PVCu window and door sets. 

CCG Group members Arc-Tech (Scotland) and Arc-Tech MU have also supported the development by way of installing M&E services (solar PV & sprinkler systems) and multi-utilities respectively.

The homes have been designed to meet Glasgow City Council’s ‘Glasgow Standard’ for new build housing- providing an affordable, warm, safe and highly energy-efficient living environment.

All 92 flats will have two bedrooms, with 10% being designed to ‘wheelchair adaptable’ standards. The development will be between four and six storeys high and comprise of flats for “mid-market rent”.

And in a further boost to the community, there has been ongoing training and employment opportunities for the local area delivered by CCG with particular emphasis on work experience and apprenticeship opportunities.

One of those benefiting is 17-year-old Govan resident and apprentice Brendan Simpson who is working towards being a joiner.

Brendan joined CCG alongside 17 others as part of their annual apprentice intake and will now undertake a 4-year programme with the company whilst studying at Glasgow Kelvin College.

Brendan said:

“My apprenticeship so far has been a great experience. I wanted to become a joiner as I really enjoyed woodwork at school but also because…everyone needs a joiner!

“I want to have my own business one day and I know the skills that I am learning on the tools with CCG will help me achieve that. It also makes me feel very proud to be part of such an important project next to where I live.”

CCG (Scotland) Director, John Baggley, added:

“These new, energy-efficient homes and the Govan-Patrick bridge will be transformative for the local area and equally so, the legacy of jobs, training and work placement opportunities will go a long way to supporting community members for years to come.

“Alongside the appointment of Brendan, local residents make up two of the four jobs that we have created thus far whilst our partnership with Developing Young Workforce and DWP Govan has also helped deliver three site-based work placements.

“We are delighted to be working with Govan Housing Association and look forward to welcoming tenants within the coming weeks.”

The development is part-funded by Govan HA with grant support provided by the Scottish Government  Glasgow City Council’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme, the “Glasgow City Region City Deal” and the Clyde Mission Fund.

Councillor Kenny McLean, Convener for Housing at Glasgow City Council, said:

“This new development at Water Row will not only provide fantastic new homes for the people who will live there, but is another example of the transformation of the Clydeside and Govan currently taking place.  We are delighted to have supported the building of this landmark development on the banks of the Clyde.”