An initiative to kick start regeneration in Glasgow communities has been launched by the Scottish government, Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Housing Association (GHA).

A joint strategic group, comprising representatives of all three bodies, has been set up to drive forward the building of hundreds of new homes - and to deliver real and lasting change across the city.

The eight areas identified for regeneration, known as Transformational Regeneration Areas (TRAs), are: East Govan / Ibrox, Gallowgate, Laurieston, Maryhill, North Toryglen, Red Road, Sighthill and Shawbridge.

Initially, the partnership will work together on delivering new homes and communities in Maryhill and Laurieston, followed shortly afterwards by Gallowgate.

Regeneration plans for each of the areas will focus on building a mix of affordable houses, both to rent and to buy, and on creating neighbourhoods that are vibrant, popular and sustainable. They will also create training and job opportunities for local people.

The partnership between the Scottish government, the City Council and GHA will work with other social landlords in the areas.

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Although at an early stage, plans for Maryhill will aim to provide 400 new homes, 300 for owner occupiers and 100 for tenants at Maryhill Locks.

Plans for Laurieston initially envisage 300 homes, mainly for social rent, with three further phases over a number of years. All four phases would bring the total number of new homes in Laurieston to 1700 for social rent, private sale and low-cost home ownership. The ambitious proposals also include new health, social services and community facilities, green space and commercial and retail accommodation.

Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said: "Regeneration is the lasting transformation of places to benefit those who live and work there.

"The Scottish government is working with Glasgow City Council and GHA to target action in the most disadvantaged areas and by devolving power locally.

"This project, like others in the city, will improve the lives of residents, deliver hundreds of affordable homes and much needed community facilities."

Councillor Steven Purcell, Leader of Glasgow City Council, commented: "This project in Maryhill will be the first of eight throughout Glasgow which will continue the regeneration of the city.

"As well as providing employment and delivering much-needed affordable housing in this part of Glasgow, it also brings together the strength of the local community, through Maryhill Housing Association, and the private sector, through British Waterways."

GHA Chair Sandra Forsythe added: "This initiative is great news for Glasgow. It will create neighbourhoods that are vibrant, popular and sustainable and help to transform and regenerate substantial parts of the city."

The strategic group, which will meet for the first time later this month, will comprise senior representatives from the three partners and will include the Chair of GHA's Regeneration Committee, Ian Wall, and GHA Board Tenant Member, Gordon Sloan.

(GK/KMcA)