One of Scotland's leading housing associations is celebrating after being among the main prize winners at The Herald Property Awards for Scotland 2011.

Sanctuary Scotland's regeneration of Linwood received 'Best Regeneration Project' award, which was collected by the association's director, Gordon Laurie.

The recognition comes just three months after the last of the £26 million project's 190 new family homes were handed over.

Seven brown field sites were transformed in an project in partnership with Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Government.

Mr Gordon was 'delighted' that the hard work of the association and its partners at Linwood was recognised.

He commented: "While the judges' very positive comments on the physical aspects of the development were greatly appreciated, it was particularly pleasing to hear that the tenants they had visited were very happy with their new homes."

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The regeneration of Linwood included the demolition of 23 problematic, multi-storey maisonette blocks.

In their place, fourteen houses of various types and sizes were developed to meet a broad spectrum of needs, ranging from single occupants to young couples and large families.

Around 450 local people have been re-housed in the 190 Linwood homes.

All wheelchair accessible homes have been fitted with under-floor heating and the majority of new homes are for rent, with a number available for shared equity.

Design individuality is brought to each home through the use of three differently coloured, glazed bricks, the colours of which evoke memories of the Hillman Imp motor vehicle being manufactured in Linwood, linking the area's former successes to its bright new future.

In addition to Linwood's success, Sanctuary Scotland's Lymburn Street project was commended in the 'Residential Social Development of the Year' category by The Herald Property Awards for Scotland judges.

Linwood has been shortlisted for further national recognition in the 'Large Scale Housing Development' category at the Saltire Society Housing Design Awards in November.

(JG/GK)