A group of Johnstone residents have visited the site of their future homes as construction officially gets underway on a major regeneration project in the Howwood Road area.
Four residents were shown around the site by Renfrewshire Council officers and contractor McTaggart Construction as work begins on the £14.2million development.
The first phase will see 70 new homes built on the site of the former Cochrane Castle Primary School. Any tenant from the first-phase area whose current home is being demolished will be offered the chance to move into one of the new properties.
The development will deliver a mix of property types and sizes, all with private gardens and many designed for wheelchair users. Homes will be built to high energy-efficiency standards, including air source heat pumps and enhanced insulation.
The wider regeneration of Howwood Road will be delivered in two phases and includes improvements to existing homes and environmental upgrades across the area.
Ian Richardson, who has lived on Howwood Road his whole life, said he is delighted to see progress.
“It’s unbelievable, I live across from the site and it’s great to wake up and see the digger on the site,” he said. “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 forms part of Renfrewshire Council’s decade-long housing-led regeneration and renewal programme, which will benefit around 1,600 homes across the area. In recent years the council has delivered 315 new-build homes in Bishopton, Johnstone and Ferguslie Park.
Jennifer Thomson, another lifelong resident, 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.”
Photo: Residents Jennifer Thomson and her partner Gareth Gilmour speak with contractor from McTaggart Construction
The wider investment across Renfrewshire also includes ongoing upgrades to existing council homes, such as new roofs, improved insulation, new kitchens and bathrooms, windows and heating systems.
Cllr Marie McGurk, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities and Housing Policy Board, joined residents on the site visit.
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.”
Photo: Hayley Richardson with her daughter Hannah and uncle Ian Richardson
McTaggart Construction held several drop-in sessions with residents prior to submitting plans to ensure the development reflects local needs. The contractor has also created a wide-ranging employability programme with local schools, offering training, certification, work experience, job opportunities and industry awareness events.
Janice Russell, managing director of McTaggart Construction, said: “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.”
The project is supported by funding from the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Programme.
Photo: Gareth Gilmour and Jennifer Thomson at the site