£44m boost
One of Cambuslang’s most deprived areas is set to receive a £44million investment. Councillors on a housing and technical committee are today, Wednesday, expected to rubberstamp the delivery of a masterplan for the East Whitlawburn housing area.
One of Cambuslang’s most deprived areas is set to receive a £44million investment.
Councillors on a housing and technical committee are today, Wednesday, expected to rubberstamp the delivery of a masterplan for the East Whitlawburn housing area.
The plan will see all 380 properties in the scheme bulldozed to make way for new, modern housing stock.
Officers estimate the cost of building the new homes will reach £41.6m with a further £2.3m for demolition costs and £240,000 for acquisitions.
South Lanarkshire Council say the new homes will be a mix of social housing and properties for sale.
The Scottish Government recently increased the level of grant available for new builds to councils to £59,000 per unit with the council hoping to receive a grant for £11.8m.
They also expect to make £15.6m in sales.
The Reformer first reported plans for the regeneration in June 2014.
Since then, three consultation events have been held along with informal ‘ walkabouts’ and meetings with key stakeholders.
Over 300 residents took part in the consultation which culminated with 80 per cent supporting the full redevelopment of the scheme.
There are currently 380 properties that will be demolished, 95 of which are empty.
Whitlawburn was recently listed as one of the five per cent most deprived areas in Scotland and third in Rutherglen and Cambuslang.
A report to councillors for today’s meeting states: “It is recognised that the redevelopment of the area will be complex and needs to be carried out on a phased basis over a number of years, commensurate with the pace of demolition, new housing and funding.
“Residents losing their homes as a result of demolition wi l l be compensated in accordance with the statutory Homeloss and Disturbance Scheme.
“Re- housing will be in accordance with the council’s allocation policy.”
Officers predict the project will be “spread over a long term development timescale of five years or so.”
Cambuslang West councillor, Richard Tullett, said: “This report is very welcome and the investment is much needed and long overdue.
“As the report says the redevelopment will be complex and will take place over a number of years.
“Having attended the neighbourhood board for the last four years I know just how patient the residents have been in waiting for plans to get to this stage.
“To get this green light will be a massive step forward and means the regeneration of East Whitlawburn can now proceed in earnest.”