Along with Clyde Valley Housing Association, North Larnarkshire council has invested £5.3 million to help pave the way for the first phase of housing at Ravenscraig and provide affordable new homes for rent.

As part of its £75 million Building for the Future (BSF) new build programme, we purchased 18 properties from developers David Wilson Homes at a cost of £2.1 million while Clyde Valley Housing Association (CVHA) invested £3.2 million to buy a further 27 houses. The Scottish Government provided a grant of £2.3 million towards the project.

To mark the completion of the 45 homes, an official opening was carried out by North Lanarkshire Provost Tom Curley and Chairperson of CVHA Bill Dickie at Lindsay Drive, Ravenscraig. The properties are a variety of two- and three-bedroom semi-detached houses and flats and have been designed to be flexible to meet the needs of residents over the course of their life.

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"The regeneration of Ravenscraig is a key priority for the council," said Provost Tom Curley. "It will boost the local economy, create jobs, homes and business opportunities and literally transform the landscape. So this first phase of housing on the site is very important for the whole development, as well as giving a boost the construction industry which has been hit hard by the economic situation.

"I am delighted that the council and CVHA have been able to make an important contribution to bringing the Ravenscraig site to life."

Bill Dickie, Chair of Clyde Valley Housing Association said: "To create these high quality homes in such a prominent site brings a real sense of pride and achievement. Being able to contribute so tangibly to improving people's lives is a great privilege. This is a positive demonstration of where real partnership can have a real effect."

The houses are part of the 850 currently being built at Ravenscraig by David Wilson Homes, all of which have been designed specifically for the site. The rest of the development is for private sale, with 13 already sold.

Jim Fitzsimons, Project Director at Ravenscraig Ltd said: "These homes are the first of 3,500 planned for Ravenscraig and signal the creation of a vibrant new community for North Lanarkshire.

"We look forward to working closely with our public and private sector partners to complete the vision for Ravenscraig and create a thriving location to live, work and visit."

(CD)