Work has started on a new council housing project in East Renfrewshire.

A total of 13 homes are being developed for residents aged 60+ at the Robertson Street site in Barrhead. Completion is scheduled for the end of this year.

The scheme is first project in the council's plan to deliver 240 homes for social rent over the next five years. Overall, the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2018/19 – 2022/23 aims to deliver almost 700 'affordable' homes across the authority by 2022.

Work on the next 10-home project at Fenwick Drive, Barrhead, will get underway in early summer. Elsewhere, a total of 20 new homes will be built at Blackbyres Court. with work to commence this autumn.

East Renfrewshire Council Leader, Councillor Tony Buchanan said: "I am delighted work has commenced on our new Council house build project, which will deliver much-needed affordable homes for our residents.

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"East Renfrewshire is a popular place to live with a diverse population with a range of requirements, so I am delighted we’re building a range of different types of homes, including those adapted for residents with additional needs.   I look forward to seeing the finished product."

Cllr Danny Devlin said: "I am very proud to see the start of the first Council house build project in a generation.

"We are aiming to create communities and homes, not just houses, so I’m excited to see the incredible plans starting to come to life in the coming months. It will be fabulous to see each of the sites develop as we prepare to welcome our first tenants through the doors by the end of 2018."

Calum Murray, Director of CCG, added: "The demand for affordable housing is felt across the country and with an increasing demand for specialist housing for the elderly, projects such as these are hugely significant for the region and we are delighted to be working with the East Renfrewshire to make them a reality.

"We will be using our full offsite manufacturing and construction expertise to deliver these homes to the highest quality standard and with enhanced specification, the future residents will benefit from improved environmental performance.

"CCG are also delighted to confirm that we will be providing local job and training opportunities for the duration of the works."

(LM/MH)