£17m new homes boost
WORK is under way on delivering a multi-millionpound housing boost in the heart of Govan.
Govan Housing Association (GHA) is building 92 flats costing £17 million in a waterfront development designed to transform the look of Govan Cross.
The new homes for rent – with an additional six commercial units beneath them – will be created at Water Row close to the River Clyde as part of a wider multi-million masterplan to help regenerate the community.
Over the next five months, work will take place preparing the initial groundwork at a recently closed car park where the flats will be constructed.
Building will get under way in January next year and is expected to take two years.
Fiona McTaggart, chief executive of GHA, said this week’s launch was an “important day for the community and signalled another step forward in regenerating Govan”. She said: “These new homes are the first phase of a bigger multi-million-pound masterplan which will breathe new life into the Govan community.”
The construction will be carried out by CCG (Scotland) and the project is being designed to meet Glasgow City Council’s Glasgow Standard for new build housing – providing affordable, warm, safe and highly energy-efficient homes.
Many of the properties will offer stunning views over the north bank of the Clyde to the Riverside Museum and beyond and become a new Central Govan landmark.
All 92 flats will have two bedrooms, with 10% being designed to “wheelchair adaptable” standards.
The development will be between four and six storeys high and comprise of three blocks.
And in a further boost to the community, there will be a training and employment benefit for the local area. This will be delivered by CCG (Scotland) with particular emphasis on work experience and apprenticeship opportunities.
CCG (Scotland) managing director David Wylie said: “The Water Row Masterplan is a significant development for the city of Glasgow and the community of Govan. “Alongside the creation of the new Govan-Partick Bridge and commercial premises, this first phase of housing will be a positive addition to the local economy.”
The work is being funded by a combination of loans taken out by GHA – normal practice when a housing provider undertakes large scale development work – along with public funding.
This includes grants from the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme, the Glasgow City Region City Deal and Clyde Mission Fund.