COMMUNITY
Toryglen residents welcomed housing minister Kevin Stewart round to their new homes to see how the community has been transformed.
The first phase of the North Toryglen development has seen 100 new, spacious energy-efficient homes already completed, along with 55 for private sale.
Mr Stewart joined Glasgow Housing Associations’s (GHA) board member Kate Willis, representatives from contractors Cruden, Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government to meet some of the new tenants and see how the area has changed.
GHA tenant Helen McBride, who has lived in the area for 39 years, moved into her new two-bedroom home in Crossbank Crescent at the end of last year.
Helen, 55, said: “My new home is perfect. It’s lovely and warm and I’m paying less on my bills and it’s great having a back garden too.
“My mobility is restricted and there are adaptations, including a walk-in shower. It’s all on one level too, so it’s ideal for me.
“I’ve always loved living in North Toryglen. I feel very comfortable that I know my neighbours already.
“It’s a real close-knit community and the homes have made a real difference to the whole area.”
North Toryglen is one of eight areas in Glasgow earmarked as a priority for regeneration.
The £9.9m development from GHA was built by contractors Crudens and the homes are a mix of 66 houses, 34 flats with 10 of the homes designed to wheelchair standard.
GHA is currently demolishing two blocks at 99 and 101 Prospecthill Circus using a long-reach machine.
The demolition of the two remaining blocks should be completed by Christmas, with the site cleared by early 2017.
Future regeneration plans for North Toryglen include 49 homes for private sale and new shop units.
Mr Stewart said: “The completion of this project is a huge milestone in the regeneration of North Toryglen.
“I am pleased the Scottish Government was able to provide £4.6million of grant funding for this project. The 100 affordable, high-quality new homes will make a real difference to the local community.”