The first homes to be built at the Athletes' Village in Glasgow have opened.

The Dalmarnock-based development housed around 7,000 athletes and officials during last year's Commonwealth Games in the city.

Following the completion of the sporting event, the 38.5-hectare site was transformed into a housing development. It consists of 300 private homes, 400 homes available for social rent and a new 120-bed care home for the elderly.

By end of today, more than 100 of the homes will be occupied, with residents expected to move into the rest of the homes by the end of the summer. Of the socially rented homes, 200 will be made available to Thenue Housing Association, 102 for West of Scotland Housing Association and 98 for Glasgow Housing Association. While of the private homes, more than 250 have already sold.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "This is a special day for Glasgow, as we mark the first residents of the Athletes' Village.

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"The Athletes' Village will always have a special place in the hearts of Glaswegians when we think back to the fantastic Commonwealth Games, but today we look to the future and an exciting new neighbourhood for Glasgow.

"The build quality of these homes is the highest in a housing development in Glasgow, raising the bar in what can be expected in the city and beyond. The city council has received a great deal of praise for the imaginative planning of this development, and I look forward to everyone living here enjoying the success of this new community in the years to come."

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon added: "This award-winning new housing development provided a fantastic home for the sporting stars in Glasgow last summer and I am delighted to be able to meet some of the new residents who will be making their new home in this community.

"The transformation and regeneration of Dalmarnock is an important part of the lasting legacy of the Games. With the Athletes' Village, the new community hub, the Cuningar Loop woodland, the sporting venues, businesses, jobs and investment, the East End can continue to thrive."

In addition to the properties on site, Glasgow City Council has committed to building a primary school and nursery school on two sites within and beside the Athletes' Village. The removal of temporary facilities around the Athletes' Village after the Games released additional land with the potential for further residential development.

It is understood City Legacy has submitted an application for a further 200 homes to the south-west of the site, with the development of future phases being considered.

(JP/MH)