The JR Group has completed the construction of 44 homes for social rent on behalf of Shettleston Housing Association (SHA).

Archie Macpherson, renowned sports broadcaster and author, who is originally from Shettleston, was guest of honour at the formal opening ceremony, which took place on Friday 31 March to celebrate a new chapter for the area.

Returning to the area, Archie Macpherson commented: "It is a real honour to have been invited to launch the new homes here in the heart of Shettleston for Shettleston Housing Association. I have very fond memories of the area and it has always been a place with a strong sense of community. I am delighted to see the continued regeneration of Shettleston with the creation of these fantastic energy-efficient, well-built family homes and I wish all the new residents the best of luck as they embrace this new era in this great location that I hold very dear to my heart.

"I plant the tree with great pride to mark, not only the opening of the development, but as a symbol of a new chapter in our world in relation to the climate and the living environment around us."

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Set within an attractive location adjacent to Tollcross Park these new homes complete the regeneration of this corner of Shettleston and have been built on the site of the former St Mark's primary school, which was destroyed by fire in 2012. A distinctive feature of the new development is the high proportion of larger family houses and flats which have all been constructed to meet the 'Glasgow Standard'. Each home is built to a high level of energy efficiency, making them easy to heat and providing excellent thermal comfort for residents.

Lesley Scoffield, Chair of SHA said: "We are delighted to have been able to deliver these badly needed and high-quality new homes and to be able to meet the needs of so many larger households.   There is a real shortage of such homes in the local area".

One of the new tenants, Ms Fairie, said "I'm absolutely delighted with my new house. It's like living in a different world, so quiet and peaceful. Just over the moon. Can't believe it."

This prominent site on the edge of Tollcross Park required careful and sensitive planning to reflect its location within an established residential community. The sloping nature of the site also provided challenges. Despite this, and the fact that building work commenced during the pandemic, the homes were completed ahead of schedule. Colette McKenna, SHA's Director of Property Services, commended the contractor, The JR Group, for its performance on this project.

Gary McGregor, Managing Director for The JR Group said: "It was great to work with Shettleston Housing Association to deliver high-quality and much-needed homes for the area whilst repurposing the former St Mark's school site which has lay derelict for more than ten years.

"We always make a commitment to invest in the communities we work in and this case has been no different, working and supporting wide selection of local community groups and organisations throughout the creation of this development. It's a real honour to be handing these homes over to Shettleston Housing Association and seeing some of the new residents so pleased with their new home."

The development was supported by Glasgow City Council & the Scottish Government with grant funding of £4.38million.