Sanctuary Scotland has completed the handover of 64 new social rent homes on Duncan Street, Greenock, converting the former health centre site into a modern affordable housing development.

Delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government and Inverclyde Council, the scheme features a mix of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom flats and houses to address local housing demand in Inverclyde.

The project received £6.9 million in Scottish Government grant funding and was constructed by Sanctuary's in-house build team.

Designed to accommodate a wide range of needs, the development includes family homes, two wheelchair-accessible flats and two bariatric flats. It also provides parking, electric vehicle charging capacity and convenient access to Greenock town centre, amenities and public transport.

Representatives from Sanctuary Scotland, Inverclyde Council and the local community gathered to mark the handover, joined by the wife and family of renowned Greenock boxer George Dougan. His legacy is honoured within the development through the naming of George Dougan Place.

Gillian Lavety, Development Director for Sanctuary Scotland, said: "We are delighted to mark the handover of these 64 new homes at Duncan Street and welcome residents into this new community.

"This project has brought a former brown-field site back into use, creating much-needed affordable homes for people and families in Greenock.

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"The mix of properties is particularly important, with family housing and specialist accessible flats helping to meet a wide range of local needs.

"It is also fitting that George Dougan Place forms part of the development, creating a lasting tribute to an important local figure and strengthening the connection between these new homes and Greenock's heritage.

"We would like to thank the Scottish Government, Inverclyde Council and everyone who has helped deliver this project."

Mrs Dougan, who attended with her family added: "It is a tremendous honour to have a street named after my late husband, George. He dedicated so much of his life to boxing and to helping young people in the community. It was also a real honour to attend the formal handover of the homes today and to see his name recognised in such a meaningful way. George was never a showy man, but boxing was his life and the sport meant everything to him. He devoted countless hours to coaching and supporting young boxers, asking for nothing in return. It is wonderful to see him recognised in this way and to know that his contribution will not be forgotten. As a family, we are incredibly proud that his legacy has been acknowledged and that future generations will see his name and remember the positive impact he had on so many lives."

Councillor Michael McCormick, Convener of Environment and Regeneration at Inverclyde Council, said: "We know how important it is to have high quality, affordable housing and we're delighted that our partners Sanctuary have been able to deliver that on a prominent site in central Greenock.

"This project is a key part of the council's five-year strategic housing delivery programme for Inverclyde and will hopefully be the catalyst for more developments across the area with positive discussions already taking place with a number of developers towards that aim.

"The naming of George Dougan Place in memory of someone who meant so much to so many people is the icing on the cake and it's great that his family and friends were able to mark this occasion with us."

The completion of Duncan Street represents a further milestone in Sanctuary Scotland's wider affordable homes programme. Sanctuary Scotland is part of Sanctuary, one of the UK's largest social housing and care providers, which owns and manages more than 125,000 homes and employs around 14,000 people. Sanctuary Scotland has served communities since 1996.