A new £1.6 million office which has helped transform "an environmental blight" at the heart of Renton has been officially opened.

Cordale Housing Association opened the doors of its new office on Main Street in Renton to show off the modern, flexible working facilities to staff, community and key partner organisations.

The office improves resident access to Cordale and Caledonia Housing Association services while also revitalising Main Street.

It replaces long-standing dilapidated and empty shops and transforms the physical appearance of the area that had previously been in environmental decline.

The new office pays tribute to former chair, the late Isobel Barr, whom the new boardroom has been named after in recognition of her unique contribution to Cordale’s history and recent accomplishments.

Speaking at the event, Margaret McCallion, chair of Cordale’s board, spoke passionately about the association's achievements over recent years and in talking about the new office said: “The Cordale committee always had an ambition to build on this particular location.

"We knew it would transform the appearance of the village. The empty shops that were situated on this site were an eyesore.

"They had lain derelict for over a decade.

"The heart of our village was an environmental blight, a source of frustration to all those who resided in and cared about Renton.

"Did we ever think it was possible to regenerate where we stand today and build a new office? Possibly not.

"Initially it seemed a fanciful dream. It’s not been easy to get to where we are at today.

"I am therefore delighted to be standing in front of you celebrating the completion of the new office."

Following an official ribbon cutting ceremony at the front door, Caledonia Housing Association chief executive Julie Cosgrove commented: “I am extremely proud of what the Caledonia and Cordale partnership has achieved in a very short period of time, the partnership has used its collective strength for the benefit of the community to bring further investment, new homes and now the new office to the area.”

Michael Scanlan, director of Clark Contracts said: “It was fantastic to work with Cordale Housing Association to deliver this project and we hope their staff settle in and enjoy their new base.”

Cordale Housing Association, which will move into the new office in April, is a community based association and registered charity whose principal aims are to build and manage social rented housing within Renton for the benefit of our tenants and the wider community, providing homes and services that make life better.

In April 2014, Cordale entered into a partnership with the larger housing association, Caledonia Housing.

This has brought more investment into the area and has enhanced the skills of Cordale's governing body to assist its continued its role in the community.