Construction work has been finalised on a significant new housing development in Motherwell town centre, delivering 42 newly built, highly energy-efficient flats alongside the respectful conversion of the B-Listed YMCA building into a further six homes. The project, part of North Lanarkshire Council's new housing supply programme, was undertaken by construction firm CCG (Scotland) with design by Coltart Earley Architecture.

The transformation of the previously derelict site on Brandon Street showcases modern construction methods focused on sustainability. A key feature of the build is the adoption of a zero-emissions heating strategy, marking the second such project delivered by CCG for the Council. This follows the successful completion of 19 net-zero ready homes at Dykehead Road in Airdrie.

The new-build flats at Brandon Street have been constructed to the CCG Net Zero Home build standard, incorporating an enhanced building fabric. Instead of the air source heat pumps used at Dykehead Road, this development features an innovative Kensa ground source heat pump system for both space heating and hot water.

The installation of this system involved significant groundworks, including the drilling of 28 boreholes, each 150 metres deep, across the site. A glycol solution circulates through this network, creating ambient heating. Each of the new homes is equipped with a heat pump (either 3 or 6 Kw) to extract energy from this network, along with a hot water storage tank. For the six units within the converted YMCA building, tailored External Wall Insulation (EWI) and Internal Wall Insulation (IWI) measures were implemented to maximise energy efficiency while respecting the building's listed status.

-- Advertisement --

Councillor Michael McPake, Housing Convener, highlighted the quality of the build and the impact of the renewable technology: "Our high-quality affordable homes are transforming local communities and town centres. Our Brandon Street development is in an ideal location for transport links and amenities and has dramatically changed the local streetscape. One of the key features of this development is the use of renewable technology, which doesn't present additional carbon into the environment and maximises energy efficiency. Examples of this include a ground source heat pump system, which controls heating and stores hot water, making our tenants' homes more comfortable."

CCG Managing Director, David Wylie, emphasised the collaborative approach and advanced construction methods employed: "CCG began working with North Lanarkshire Council in 2019. Since then, our partnership has contributed to the transformation of communities across the region with the delivery of hundreds of new homes, as well as helping the Council transition into a new, ‘net zero ready' housing era – first at Dykehead Road in Airdrie and now here at Brandon Street in Motherwell."

He further noted the unique aspect of the project: "With the conversion of the YMCA building, the project has a unique character, however, it shares common traits of those before it, with its delivery only made possible through a shared commitment to collaboration, and a willingness to adopt advanced building methods and emerging renewable technologies. Ultimately, this has ensured local housing needs continue to be met, and we look forward to building on this momentum with North Lanarkshire Council in the months ahead through various new developments."

The ongoing performance analysis of the ground source heat pump system at Brandon Street will provide valuable data to inform North Lanarkshire Council's future housing programmes as they work towards their net-zero target by 2045.