Caledonia Housing Association: New Bellsmyre homes on Muir Road near completion

Caledonia Housing Association’s (CHA) major programme to transform Bellsmyre from run down high-rises to new-build homes has almost completely renovated one of its streets.

Muir Road forms the first stage of the Bellsmyre Regeneration Project, consisting of 210 new-build dwellings, to replace a large number of ageing blocks which could not be upgraded to pass the Scottish Government standards.

It comes as West Dunbartonshire Council gave the green light for the next phase of the project, part-funded by the government, to improve housing availability in the area.

Earlier this year , the local authority approved proposals to demolish 220 blocks of flats in Bellsmyre to make way for 140 new homes with 62 already completed.

The homes have transformed the area

And director of assets Andrew Kilpatrick told the Reporter that there was a huge drive to ensure that the new-builds are “not just houses for residents, but homes.”

He said: “When Caledonia first became involved in Bellsmyre there were people moving out of the area. People didn’t want to come and live here. It was really a place of last resort.

“We’ve been involved in this for five years and it takes a long time for these things to get going. We are really excited to see the completion of Muir Road and look forward to getting the next part going as quickly as we can.

“We do have a large investment for the existing houses that we plan to run over the next five years. Our main aim is to build back communities for people so they can see that Bellsmyre can, and eventually will, be their home.”

The main principles for CHA were creating smaller communities that encourage neighbourliness while clearly defining private and communal spaces, and creating high quality landscaped and amenity spaces and removing high maintenance spaces by replacing it with durable materials that last.

Each house has been designed to zero-energy standard using a blend of Passivhaus and Energiesprong principles, with low-maintenance and durability a key project driver.

The design scheme avoids the use of random colours and applies traditional, durable materials in a light, monochromatic grey shades palette.

And residents moving into the development have shared how their new home has greatly impacted their lives.

Laura Cryan said: “I have a new-build in the development and it’s changed my whole life for the better. I have a stunning,very spacious two bedroom house with two bathrooms,walk-in wardrobes in both bedrooms and plenty of storage.

“Having access to a massive kitchen is great, it’s like a dream come true.The back door and garden is amazing too. My wee girl is loving her new life round here. Everyone’s been so welcoming and friendly,

“My mental health has improved so much.”

Another resident, Lynne Street, said: “What I love the most about our new home is our family space, our own garden to enjoy. I can’t speak for everyone, but this is finally my forever home. I don’t plan on going anywhere else.”

And Laura Mullan commented: “I love our new home. It is a proper family home with a spacious garden that our son can run around safely [in]. It’s been life changing for us and we couldn’t be happier.”

During a tour round the site it was explained that it is hoped that four blocks of high rise flats on Whiteford Avenue are to be demolished in the next few months.

Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, told the Reporter: “Bellsmyre is really coming back to life again as a result of the investment and regeneration of the area by Caledonian Housing Association.

“It was a joy to walk round the area and see the fantastic work which has been going on. I was delighted to see around some of the properties which are finished to a high standard and speak to tenants who are understandably thrilled with their new homes. It has not been an easy task to get to this point but it appears that the hard work is paying off.

“I want to thank Caledonian Housing Association for inviting me along and I know that further steps to improve the area are already in hand and will be taken forward in close communication with the tenants and residents of Bellsmyre.”