Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association is celebrating the successful completion of the initial phase of its ambitious development programme for the Paisley West End regeneration in Renfrewshire.

The first phase delivered 35 new homes on Sutherland Street, built on the site of former tenements and accommodation previously used by the University of West Scotland. The development provides a mix of two- and three-bedroom houses and apartments specifically for social rent.

These new properties incorporate modern features, including off-street parking and key environmental benefits such as solar panels and modern insulation. The larger houses also benefit from private gardens. The scheme was supported by a substantial grant of more than £4.7 million from the Scottish Government and was carefully designed to meet local community needs by providing a mix of family homes and apartments that integrate seamlessly into the surrounding area.

The completion marks the start of the wider regeneration of Paisley's West End, with demolition works currently progressing on Well Street and Clavering Street to prepare for future housing provision.

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Councillor Marie McGurk, convener of Renfrewshire Council's communities and housing policy board, who attended the start-on-site event in 2023, was present at the completion event. She commented: "I'm delighted to see these fabulous new homes now complete. Renfrewshire Council and Sanctuary Scotland have been successfully working in partnership for a number of years delivering much needed affordable homes in Renfrewshire."

Màiri McAllan MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Housing, recognised the partnership's success: "I'm pleased to see the completion of 35 new homes in Sutherland Street, marking the end of the first phase of the Paisley West End regeneration development. Our investment of over £4.7 million, working in partnership with Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association and Renfrewshire Council, is delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes that meet the needs of local families in the area and is helping to strengthen communities."

The Cabinet Secretary highlighted the government's commitment to housing: "We have a strong track record in affordable housing, having delivered more than 140,000 affordable homes between April 2007 and June this year with 100,000 of these made available for social rent. Through the Housing Emergency Action Plan, £808 million will be available for affordable homes in Scotland this year. This plan also commits up to £4.9 billion through a mix of public and private sector investment over the next four years to support the delivery of around 36,000 affordable homes."

Gillian Lavety, Director of Development at Sanctuary Scotland, noted the importance of the scheme in the current climate: "The growth of our development programme in Renfrewshire is key in addressing the county's housing emergency and ensuring local people have access to good quality housing." She confirmed that the association is moving forward with the project: "Sanctuary has an impressive track record, delivering award-winning regeneration across Scotland. We continue to work with residents and businesses within the regeneration zone to progress our plans for the next phase as quickly as possible."