A cabinet minister has visited a flagship housing development which is delivering 138 new homes to Dumbarton.
Màiri McAllan, cabinet secretary for housing, was taken on a tour around the Bellsmyre regeneration project developing the first new energy-efficient homes.
The flagship development for Caledonia Housing Association is set to create hundreds of new energy-efficient homes over the next five years, replacing 264 older flats.
The buildings are to incorporate features that cut energy demand and help reduce fuel poverty by having annual water and space heating costs of just £250 to £300 for a two-bedroom house.
The first phase of the project has delivered 27 new, 'high quality' social rented homes and represents a £7.3 million investment supported by £4.4 million of grant funding from the Scottish Government, delivered in partnership with CCG (Scotland) Ltd and West Dunbartonshire Council.
Reiss Fox and Kevin Docherty are fourth year apprentice bricklayers who have been based at the development for eight months.
Kevin said: “Alongside Reiss, I have worked on the homes from first foundations to applying external finishes, and it makes me feel very proud to see to see the outcome of my hard work.
"My time as an apprentice with CCG has been very enjoyable - I feel I have learned a lot, and I am really looking forward to becoming fully qualified.”
Following this, CHA Chief Executive, Julie Cosgrove, led a tour of the newly completed homes for the Cabinet Secretary to see first-hand the impact that CHA’s investment, the Scottish Government grant, and the strong partnership with CCG has had on the development and the lives of the tenants in the area.
Julie Cosgrove, Chief Executive of Caledonia Housing Association, said: “Welcoming the Cabinet Secretary for Housing to Bellsmyre is a proud day for everyone at Caledonia.
"Being able to introduce her to members of the team, who have been critical in the success of this major regeneration project so far, as well as some of our apprentices and touring our new high-quality homes is an important milestone for Bellsmyre as we look forward to progressing the project in the coming years.”
Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan, added: “Visiting the Bellsmyre site today was a reminder of the impact a thoughtful development can have.
“Over the next five years, 138 high-quality, energy-efficient social rented homes will be delivered. The first phase of 27 homes has been supported by £4.4 million in Scottish Government funding.
"The regeneration of the site will revitalise the area and help to foster a more connected and vibrant community for generations to come.
“This ambitious project is driven by a strong collaboration between Caledonia Housing Association, West Dunbartonshire Council and the Scottish Government and will significantly boost the supply of affordable housing in the area.
“And as we mark Climate Week, I’m pleased to see that these energy-efficient homes will significantly reduce fuel costs helping to build a greener, more connected community.”
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