Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
More new homes on site of old school
IAN BUNTING
The first sod has been cut to mark the transformation of a former Coatbridge school into a new £10.4 million council housing development.
The latest project at Lismore Drive, which used to be the home of St James’ Primary, will offer “58 new, modern, affordable homes for local residents”.
There will be a mix of properties – 13 twobedroom, nine threebedroom and two fourbedroom houses; 20 two-bedroom and six onebedroom cottage flats; four two- bedroom amenity bungalows; and four twobedroom wheelchair bungalows.
This is the 37th development either completed or now on site and continues the “excellent progress” being made in delivering high quality, affordable housing across North Lanarkshire’s communities.
The council has pledged to deliver 5000 new homes by 2035 and continue to push forward to meet its ambitious target.
Cutting the sod at the Lismore Drive development was Councillor Heather McVey, convener of communities and housing, who was joined by local memberss Councillor Kevin Docherty and Councillor Mary Gourlay, council officers and representatives from contractor CCG (Scotland) Ltd.
Councillor McVey said: “It’s always an exciting and proud moment to cut the first sod to mark the beginning of another housing development.
“This is a significant project and is situated in the heart of a local community.
“Not only will it further develop the local area but it will grow the local economy too.”
Councillor McVey added: “Our new- build homes are built to very high standards with energy efficiency measures to help save on running costs for tenants.
“They all meet Housing for Varying Needs, which means homes are more accessible to adapt to tenants’ mobility needs.
“They are built for the future and will last for generations to come.”
David Wylie, CCG managing director, said: “We are delighted to be on site at Lismore Drive with our strategic partner North Lanarkshire Council.
“This new development will bring much-needed affordable housing to Coatbridge and we will ensure that all homes are delivered to the highest standards of quality and energy performance.
“As a direct result of our involvement, CCG will also be able to deliver a range of community benefits including jobs apprenticeships and work placements as well as donating to locally- based initiatives.”
The Scottish Government contributes towards the development costs of each site.