Work has commenced on an ambitious £3.6 million regeneration project at Manse Gardens, Strachur, in rural Argyll & Bute.

The initiative, led by Trust Housing Association in partnership with the Scottish Government and Argyll & Bute Council, aims to significantly boost affordable housing options in the region.

The project involves transforming a former, partially unoccupied sheltered housing development of 21 small purpose-built homes into 16 fully refurbished and highly energy-efficient general needs homes. The previous sheltered housing model had become unfit for purpose following the withdrawal of revenue funding in 2017, with Trust ceasing re-letting in 2019. Consultation with the remaining seven residents on re-development plans began in 2022, ensuring all existing customers' homes would be extended and fully refurbished.

The regeneration works also include the demolition of redundant buildings, such as a former staff office, customer lounge, assisted bathroom, and laundry facilities, which were remnants of the site's previous use. The reduction in the total number of properties has allowed Trust to create a new sustainable housing mix on site, eliminating the previously unpopular sheltered housing studio properties and better meeting local housing needs.

The new general needs homes will benefit from enhanced space standards through new single-storey extensions. All 16 homes will undergo a complete refurbishment, receiving new internal doors, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Significant fabric and energy efficiency improvements are also a key focus. New roofs, windows, external doors, and a range of loft, floor, and wall insulation will be installed. These upgrades will be complemented by the addition of new High Retention heating systems, replacing the former Liquid Petroleum Gas system, along with solar panel and battery storage installations on each property. These measures are designed to reduce residents' energy costs and help Trust decarbonise its housing stock.

-- Advertisement --

External improvements include the creation of a new, centrally located area of green open space and increased car parking for residents.

Works began on site in March 2025, and upon completion in March 2026, the re-imagined Manse Gardens will comprise 13 x 1-bedroom, 2 x 2-bedroom, and 1 x 3-bedroom general needs homes, all designated for social rent.

The project is being delivered by Argyll and Bute-based TSL Contractors Limited. Trust Housing Association has been supported in the design and delivery by a consortium of partners including Anderson Bell & Christie Architects, NBM Construction Cost Consultants, G3 Consulting Engineers Ltd, Carbon Futures, Mike Hyatt Landscape Architects, McDonald & Cameron Ltd, and Green Home Systems Limited.

Funding for the Manse Gardens regeneration is provided by Trust Housing Association, with significant contributions from the Scottish Government's Affordable Housing Supply Programme (£1.6 million), Argyll & Bute Council's Strategic Housing Fund (£192,000), and a proportion of ECO4 grant funding.

Jackie McIntosh, Trust Housing Association's Director of Assets & Sustainability, stated: "I am delighted that our regeneration project at Manse Gardens is progressing well after a number of years of planning and preparation. The project has been made possible thanks to the continued support of both the Scottish Government's More Homes Team and Argyll & Bute Council. We are delighted to be helping contribute to the acute housing emergency in Argyll & Bute by creating these new supply general needs homes that will meet the needs of the local community now and for generations to come."

Housing Minister Paul McLennan added: "I'm pleased to see the refurbishment of Manse Gardens is underway. It will provide an additional 16 high quality homes in Strachur and we're delighted to have contributed a grant of £1.6 million through the Scottish Government's Affordable Housing Supply Programme. Housing is both a social and economic good which is why we are investing £768 million through the affordable housing supply budget this financial year. We have a strong track record in delivering affordable housing in Scotland, with more than 136,000 affordable homes delivered, including 97,000 for social rent, between 2007 and 2024."

Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, commented: "I am delighted that we are able to support this exciting project in Strachur through our Strategic Housing Fund. Together with our partners, we are continuing to take action to address the shortage of affordable housing in Argyll and Bute and we remain committed to tackling the housing emergency to ensure everyone has a suitable place to call home."

Brendan McWilliams, Head of Building for TSL, said: "TSL are delighted to commence the redevelopment of Trust Housing Association's site at Manse Gardens in Strachur, Argyl and Bute. Working closely with Trust and their design team partners, Anderson Bell Christie, G3, Carbon Futures and NBM, TSL are forging ahead with the initial site demolition and clearance works on site."