Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment Alex Neil has visited the site of a GHA multi-storey and heard how it will be transformed into affordable flats to rent for key workers.

The flats at 15 Ibroxholm Oval - near the new South Glasgow Hospital and the Digital Media Quarter at Pacific Quay - were formerly used for social housing. The block was due to be pulled down in the next few months together with two others on the site as part of regeneration plans for the area.

But last month the Scottish Government approved a bid for £1.1m from its Innovation and Investment Fund towards the cost of redeveloping the block – paving the way for the multi-storey to be turned into 98 homes for mid market rent. If planning permission is granted, work could start on the transformation early next year.

Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment Alex Neil said: “The work going on at the Ibroxholm Oval towerblock is a perfect example of how the Scottish Government’s Innovation Fund can be put to good use regenerating sites and making good affordable homes available for those who need them.

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“By taking advantage of this and our proposed Council Tax levy, local authorities and housing agencies can help to tackle the problem of empty homes, which are currently a wasted resource and often also a blight on local communities.”

The homes will be a mix of 42 one-bedroom flats and 56 two-bedroom flats. Rents are expected to be around £350 to £450 a month.

Demolition of the two nearby blocks, at 9 Ibrox Terrace and 8 Ibroxholm Oval, is going ahead as planned with contractors already on site carrying out work on the first block. GHA is working in partnership with Glasgow City Council to bring forward plans for the regeneration of the remainder of the site.

GHA Board Chair Gordon Sloan said: “We’re pleased the Cabinet Secretary visited and heard about the transformation we are planning for 15 Ibroxholm Oval.

“The project will increase housing supply in Glasgow and offer people more choice in the type of home they live in. Not everyone can buy in the current market and there are more people looking for mid market rents.”

He said the flats would be good quality, spacious homes with rents young professionals and key workers like nursing and medical staff would be able to afford.

The Ibroxholm project will also secure local jobs and training with the contractor required to recruit trainees and apprentices from within the city.

Redeveloping the block will be 15 times more carbon efficient than producing a like number of new-build properties. GHA will work with power companies to ensure the block has a modern, efficient heating system which reduces carbon emissions, helps deliver Sustainable Glasgow’s targets and keeps fuel bills affordable for residents.

(GK)