Top class homes for Arden

Families in Arden in Glasgow’s south side have been given a £6.4 million housing boost with the building of 48 new homes.

Glen Oaks Housing Association has created the much-needed properties as it delivers on its promise to keep on building.

The homes have been formally opened by Minister for Local Government and Housing Kevin Stewart MSP.

The homes have been built on the site of the former St Louise Primary School, which closed in 2009 and was then demolished.

Glen Oaks hailed the housing at Lunestone Court as “great news for the community”.

Chief Executive Alasdair McKee said:

“Everyone will welcome this exciting new development of homes – it is just what Arden needs.

“Glen Oaks is deeply committed not just to making our communities great places in which to live but to building new homes which people really want.”

The new housing is the fifth such development in the last 12 years which has delivered 150 new homes for Arden and has come about with generous financial assistance from the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council. Together they provided half the cost and the creation of the new homes would not be possible without their willing financial support.

Elaine McShane, Chairperson of Glen Oaks, said:

“We are very grateful to Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government who share our vision of creating new homes. We are all working together to bring real benefits to the communities we serve. These 48 new homes are another significant step forward in the regeneration of Arden.”

During his visit, Mr Stewart met tenant Alleashia Smyth who has just moved in and wished her well in her new home.

The event was also attended by Humza Yousaf, MSP for Glasgow Pollok, and Councillor Rashid Hussain, representing Glasgow City Council.

Since 1999, Glen Oaks has spent around £27 million regenerating the Arden estate by building new homes and improving existing properties. In the last 18 months, £2 million of that sum has been spent upgrading kitchens and bathrooms.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said:

“These brand new, high-quality homes are a fantastic addition to Arden and provide a welcome boost towards the regeneration of the area.

“This government is determined to increase and accelerate housing supply – working in partnership with councils and housing associations to deliver quality homes to fit local needs.

“A good supply of affordable homes is vital to ensuring everyone has an equal chance of getting on in life and we’re committed to delivering at least 50,000 new affordable homes over this parliament.”

The homes have been built by contractors Cruden Building and Renewals Ltd.  

Allan Callaghan, Managing Director, said:

“We’re delighted to see first-hand the difference that these 48 modern and energy efficient flats and houses are making to people’s lives in Arden.

“Throughout this project, we have worked with local suppliers to directly benefit this local area. We also worked with youth employment charity ‘Workingrite’ to provide full time employment for two apprentices and a number of work placement opportunities.”

Pictured: Alleashia Smyth is given the key of the door by Housing Minister Kevin Stewart.