The housing charity, which has over 40 mid-market rental developments across Scotland, has been granted planning permission to convert a former office block in Ruchill into high quality homes and has now concluded the purchase for an undisclosed fee.

The property at Ruchill Quadrangle was built in 1874 and strip out work at the derelict building is set to start in the next few days.

Lar’s chief executive, Ann Leslie, said: “I’m thrilled we have the opportunity to breathe new life into a derelict building and to help tackle the shortage of good quality mid-market rental homes in the city. We already have a development of 24 flats in Ruchill and are very aware of the need for more affordable homes in the area.

“We have a track record across the country of taking on difficult regeneration projects and are proud of their green credentials and the impact they can have on local communities.

“I’d particularly like to thank staff and councillors at Glasgow City Council for their interest in the project and look forward to working with them to complete the regeneration of this important part of the city.”

Lar plans to convert the building into 39 flats and duplexes and will be offering a mix of one, two, three and four-bed homes.

The plans have been welcomed by Lord Provost and local Councillor Jacqueline McLaren who added: “I’m very excited about this development. It’s a great example of a housing trust regenerating and imaginatively repurposing a derelict building for affordable housing. My congratulations to everyone involved.”

Construction work is already underway at another Lar development in the city with a burnt-out tenement on Glasgow Green currently being converted into 37 new flats. Lar is now seeking further regeneration development opportunities in Glasgow.