A group of Johnstone residents visited the site where their new homes will be built to mark the start of construction work.
Four residents from the Howwood Road area were guided round the site by officers from Renfrewshire Council and the contractor carrying out the works, McTaggart Construction.
The £14.2million development will see 70 homes built on the site of the former Cochrane Castle Primary School in the first phase of works. Any tenant from the first phase in the Howwood Road area whose property is being demolished will be offered the chance to move to one of the new homes.
The new homes will be a mix of property types and sizes and have their own designated garden areas with many being wheelchair accessible. They will also be built to meet the highest energy efficiency and insulation standards, with air source heat pumps for their heating.
The new housing in the Howwood Road area will be delivered in two phases, with improvements to existing homes and environmental works also included within the investment proposed for the wider area.
Ian Richardson (pictured above) has lived in the Howwood Road area all his life and is happy to see work progress on site. He said: “It’s unbelievable, I live across from the site and it’s great to wake up and see the digger on the site. Everyone is glad to see work starting, our neighbours who are getting the investment work done to their homes as part of the regeneration are starting to see their new windows go in as well – it’s great times ahead.
“It’s a fresh start – that’s the most important thing. This area has long needed it and it’s going to be unbelievable for everyone especially the kids.”
The work is part of Renfrewshire Council’s decade-long housing-led regeneration and renewal programme which will benefit around 1,600 homes across Renfrewshire.
Renfrewshire Council has delivered 315 new build council homes across Renfrewshire in recent years, with developments completed in Bishopton, Johnstone and Ferguslie Park in Paisley.
Jennifer Thomson (pictured) has also lived in the area her whole life. She said: “It’s very exciting, it’s going to be a big change. It’s good to see the area get a fresh look to make it more vibrant and I’m looking forward to seeing the new energy efficient homes. We are a close community here and everyone is excited to see the change.
“We’re excited to see the plans to landscape part of the area as well. We have a wee grandbaby, and it’ll be great to have somewhere for her and other kids to go and play.”
The new builds add to high levels of continued investment being made in current council houses across Renfrewshire delivering a range of external energy efficiency improvements and roof renewals as well as internal upgrade works which will, in some cases, include new kitchens and bathrooms, windows and heating systems.
Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities and Housing Policy Board, Cllr Marie McGurk met with the residents and took part in the tour on the day.
She said: “It’s really exciting to see work get underway on site. The Howwood Road community have been engaged throughout the process and their feedback has directly informed plans for the area.
“The work taking place here is part of our housing-led regeneration and renewal programme which aims to deliver modern, high quality, energy-efficient and affordable council housing and create warmer, more welcoming places for people to live.
“I was especially happy to meet with the residents to hear about their hopes for the development and I look forward to seeing work progress along with the local community.”
McTaggart Construction carried out a series of drop-in events with residents in the area prior to submitting plans to ensure the development meets the needs of those who live there.
McTaggart Construction has also developed a comprehensive employability programme in partnership with local schools as part of the project, offering training and testing to pupils aspiring to enter the construction industry. Beyond training, the contractor will also create new job opportunities within the community, deliver several work experience placements, and host industry awareness events to inspire the next generation of construction professionals.
Janice Russell, Manging Director at McTaggart Construction comments: “We’re absolutely delighted to be breaking ground on our second project for Renfrewshire Council this year. The Howwood Road development represents more than 70 new affordable homes, it’s about creating real opportunities and lasting impact for this community.
“Our employability programme, work placements, and job creation initiatives demonstrate our commitment to ensuring local people benefit directly from this development. It was particularly special to have some of the future residents join us at today’s sod cutting event – seeing their excitement and knowing we’re helping to build their futures makes everything we do worthwhile.”
