Dundee, Glasgow and North Lanarkshire are set to benefit from 200 new homes and local employment and training opportunities are written in to the construction agreement.

Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association has announced the award of a £16.6 million contract to GRAHAM Construction and said the homes would be "high quality".

As part of the agreement, GRAHAM Construction will offer £100,000 worth of training and employment opportunities across the three sites.

A spokesman for the housing association said those involved hoped the move would "reduce pressure on the supply of social housing".

In Dundee, 60 new houses in Birkdale Place will complete Sanctuary Scotland’s regeneration of the city’s Ardler estate.

In Glasgow, 80 two-storey homes will be built at Burnbrae to complete Sanctuary Scotland’s regeneration of Priesthill.

In North Lanarkshire, 58 homes will be built at Ainslie Road and Maclehose Road, Cumbernauld.

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Work is now under way on all three sites, with completions due in spring/summer 2013. Sanctuary Scotland is working in partnership with Dundee City Council, Glasgow City Council and North Lanarkshire Council to bring the projects to fruition. The not-for-profit organisation was assisted in part by a £7.3 million Scottish Government grant.

Peter Martin, Sanctuary’s Group director – development, said: "We are delighted to work with GRAHAM Construction to build these much-needed new homes.

"The vast majority of these modern, energy-efficient properties will be available to local residents for social rent. Creating employment opportunities is also a key priority for Sanctuary Scotland so it is great to be working with a like-minded partner.

"This contract is a welcome boost for Dundee, Glasgow and Cumbernauld."

The contract will see GRAHAM offer 16 apprenticeships in various trades including joinery, brick-laying and plumbing. Opportunities for 24 new entrant trainees will also be created as part of the agreement and up to 85 school leavers will be offered work experience as part of a total community investment package worth more than £100,000.

Michael Graham, executive chairman at GRAHAM, said: "Securing this contract with one of the biggest housing providers in Scotland is a real boost for GRAHAM.

"We are proud to be delivering almost 200 first-class houses, which will be warmly welcomed by the local communities.

"GRAHAM is committed to offering work, training and long-term prospects for talented people.

"These are tremendously important contracts for GRAHAM and we look forward to delivering these keenly anticipated new homes."

(NE)