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The latest GHA new-build homes were officially opened this week – with tenants saying they are like a dream come true.
The 22 homes in Yoker are part of the second phase of GHA’s new-build programme, a £55million project which will see 411 homes built at nine sites across Glasgow.
Tenants say they are overjoyed at the quality of their new homes.
Martin Ferguson, 43, an unemployed IT worker, moved into one of the flats in Halley Place in March after six years in Kingsway Court.
Martin said: “I never dreamed I would get something as good as this. It is beyond my wildest dreams.
“It’s like a new lease of life for me. Even my friends say I am much happier and more confident since I’ve moved in. The difference is night and day.”
Bader Mohammed, 21, moved into a four-bedroom house in Halley Place with his mum, two brothers and sister last month after living on the 13th floor of a high rise in Kingsway Court.
Bader, an electrical engineering student, said: “It’s like a new start for us and we are very happy. The size and comfort of our new home, and having our own front door and back garden, makes a big difference.
“It’s like a story book house. I’ve never seen a house this good.”
The development was officially opened by GHA Chair Gordon Sloan and Councillors Paul Rooney and Graeme McKendry.
The second phase of GHA’s new-build programme is supported with grant funding from the Scottish Government.
The 22 new homes in Halley Place, which were built by Cruden Estates Ltd, are a mix of two-bedroom flats, cottage flats and houses. One of the cottage flats is built to wheelchair standard.
The homes are also environmentally friendly, having achieved a ‘very good’ rating under Ecohomes standards, an assessment scheme run by Building Research Establishment Ltd (BRE).
Alex McGuire, GHA’s Executive Director of Development and Regeneration, said: “I’m really pleased our tenants are happy with their new homes.
“Many of the residents have come from multi-storey flats and other GHA properties which have been earmarked for demolition as part of our plans – with the Scottish Government and the City Council – to regenerate communities across the city.
“These homes are modern, energy-efficient and spacious, and I’m sure Martin and Bader and his family will enjoy living there for years to come.”
Councillor Paul Rooney said: “GHA is providing quality housing which will be of real benefit to the area. I am delighted GHA is listening to its tenants and providing modern homes which meet their needs.”
Councillor Graeme Hendry added: “What GHA has done with these fantastic homes shows a willingness to invest in the future of our local communities which will lead to a better Glasgow.”
Cruden Building and Renewals have also created 68 jobs as a result of GHA’s new-build phase 2 contract.
The multi-storeys at 10 and 20 Kingsway Court in Scotstoun are due to be demolished in 2012/13. Four other blocks at Kingsway will remain, with major work planned to upgrade and modernise them.
(GK/KMcA)
