Work begins on 65 new energy-efficient council homes in Gallowhill

Work has started on the construction of 65 new council houses in Gallowhill, Paisley, as part of Renfrewshire Council’s large-scale housing regeneration programme.

The £13.7million development, being built on a vacant site off Montgomery Road, will provide a mix of property types including cottage flats with direct access and gardens, bungalows, and two-storey houses. Many of the homes will be wheelchair-accessible.

Designed to the highest standards of energy efficiency, the homes will feature air source heat pumps and solar panels. A nearby play park will also be relocated and upgraded as part of the project, creating a modern and welcoming space for families.

The new homes add to the Council’s ongoing investment in housing across Renfrewshire, which has already delivered improvements such as new kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems, windows, and roof repairs.

Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities and Housing Policy Board said: “I’m really excited to see the new housing development in Gallowhill get underway. “The new homes will add to the council’s housing supply as well as enhance the local area with the creation of a new play park nearby. The designs for this development have also been informed by feedback from the local community to ensure it reflects their needs.

“The homes being built at Gallowhill will be delivered to the highest energy efficiency standards demonstrating our continued commitment to reduce our emissions as well as creating welcoming and comfortable homes for our tenants.”

McTaggart Construction has been appointed to design and build the project. Ahead of construction, the company held an engagement session with the community to ensure the development reflected local needs. As part of the project, McTaggart will also expand its employability programme in partnership with Invest in Renfrewshire, which has already provided 38 work placements and 14 permanent jobs for local young people over the past year.

The Scottish Government has contributed £9.6million in funding towards the development through its Affordable Housing Programme. Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan welcomed the investment, calling it “a significant boost to the area” and part of Scotland’s long-term commitment to delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.

McTaggart Construction’s Managing Director, Janice Russell, said the development represents “a real investment in the future of this community,” combining sustainability with accessibility.

The project builds on 315 new council homes already delivered across Renfrewshire in recent years, with further regeneration work underway in Bishopton, Johnstone, Ferguslie Park, and across eight other areas.

In Gallowhill, wider plans also include ground source heating for multi-storey blocks and the proposed Gallowhill Link project to connect the community to the new Paisley Grammar School campus.

Photo: New council houses Gallowhill. Cllr Marie McGurk and McTaggart MD, Janice Russell
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council

Photo: The view of the new homes towards the high-rise building
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council

Photo: How the new homes will look as you drive into the estate
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council