Work has started on 50 social rented homes being built in Raploch, backed by £3.4m of Scottish Government funding.

The phase of housebuilding, which will create new properties for rent as part of the area's £120m regeneration, is now underway on site with homes expected to be completed and available over the next 15 months.

The homes, being provided by developer Cruden Homes as part of a 'Regeneration Agreement', are a partnership between developer R3 (George Wimpey / Cruden Homes), the Raploch URC, Forth Housing Association (FHA) and the Scottish Government.

Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell said: "I am delighted to see the progress that is being made in Raploch, where real and lasting change is being delivered and the local community is really reaping the benefits.

"The Scottish Government has provided £3.472m funding towards the development of these 50 new affordable homes for rent and a further £15.3m to Raploch URC over the past four years to support its ambitious plans for the area. It's great to see work getting underway on this important milestone in their overall programme."

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Gordon Mason, Chair of Forth Housing Association added: "As a local association we are very pleased to be part of this next stage of transforming the Raploch. These affordable homes will provide badly needed housing for many families and single people who will become part of the thriving community here."

The Raploch URC is two years into a ten-year project which will create 900 new homes, 270 training and job opportunities, infrastructure and public realm by using a pioneering approach to involve both local people and the public and private sectors to regenerate the disadvantaged area.

Dr Christie said: "This week is another landmark one for the Raploch with these 50 social rented homes offering an alternative to the homes for sale. The fact that the regeneration continues to drive forward, particularly given the current economic climate, demonstrates real confidence in the project and what we are all trying to achieve here.

R3 will build 650 homes for sale on behalf of the Raploch URC during the ten-year regeneration project as well as 250 social rented through Forth Housing Association and Cruden Homes.

Suzanne Granger, project manager for R3, said: "The start of the building work on the houses available for rent through FHA signifies another milestone in this first phase of the housing element of the Raploch regeneration. As work continues on the 161 homes for sale, the addition of the 50 homes for rent has created a wonderful opportunity for any member of the community to move into a brand new home."

(GK/JM)