Dunbritton Housing Association has announced the start of work on a new development that will deliver 150 high-quality affordable homes in Dumbarton town centre.

The development, on the site that was occupied by Ballantine’s Whisky Distillery for many years, was made possible through innovative partnership working between the Scottish Government, West Dunbartonshire Council, Dunbritton Housing Association, Cullross and the Bank of Scotland.

The contract to build the new homes has been awarded to Marshall Construction and the groundworks will begin in January 2018, with the first homes scheduled to be ready by March 2019.

Dunbritton’s chief executive officer, Allan Murphy, said: “I am delighted to see this major development of new homes for rent coming to life in the heart of Dumbarton’s town centre.

The Association has built an excellent track record of delivering high-quality homes for rent across Argyll & Bute and West Dunbartonshire thanks to our close working relationships with local councils.

“I would also like to thank the Scottish Government for their continuing support through grant funding. Without this, developments like this would not be possible.

“We are pleased to have this opportunity to work with Cullross and Marshall Construction to deliver the project.

“Finally I’d like to thank the Bank of Scotland for their positive approach to working with us on the financial elements of this development.”

Sephton MacQuire, Dunbritton’s chair, said: “This development will breathe new life into the town centre, enabling local people to enjoy living in affordable homes right on the Harbour side.

“Phases 1 and 2 will deliver 150 much-needed quality to this area and on behalf of the Board of Management I’d like to thank all of the partners who have worked together to make this possible. We also have ambitious plans for other developments including 26 new homes that are already under way at Succoth near Arrochar.”

Ryan Fletcher, managing director of Cullross, said: “I’m delighted to be here celebrating that the main building contract has been let to Marshall Construction. This is a large and exciting project for everyone involved.

“The works to upgrade the Quay Walls have begun and the site has been pegged out ready for earthworks to start in January.

“We look forward to delivering these much needed affordable homes over the coming months ahead.”