Local residents are building careers thanks to a £27 million housing project in Glasgow.

The 178 houses being created by Sanctuary Homes in Nitshill are giving community members a chance to progress.

The properties in Newfield Square also address a shortage of affordable family housing.

Plumber Richard Smith is helping Sanctuary transform Newfield Square, having lived on the old site for 12 years.

The former apprentice, 36, now stays a short walk away and has four apprentices under his wing.

Richard, of Sanctuary’s site contractor CCG Scotland, said: “I grew up here so it’s great to see Newfield Square being redeveloped.

“I’ve now been with CCG for 17 years and it’s projects like this that help sustain careers in the construction industry.

“I started out on a Sanctuary project and Newfield Square is giving other youngsters that same opportunity. It’s great to see the group at Newfield Square get on and build a better future for themselves.”

Bricklayer Thomas Burrows and plumber David Paterson are two of 13 CCG apprentices building Sanctuary homes for sale and rent. Thomas, 19, of Nitshill, was offered his apprenticeship last summer after completing a year at college.

Peter Martin, Sanctuary’s group director – development, said: “We are delighted to work with Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government to bring high quality housing to Nitshill.

“Sanctuary projects have helped hundreds of young people get a foot on construction’s career ladder. The progress made by Thomas, David and the others is fantastic and shows the hugely positive impact our investment can have on local housing and employment.”

The 92 homes at Newfield Square for social rent will include four-bedroom houses and wheelchair-accessible bungalows.

Ten 2-bedroom houses being built for a Glasgow City Council low-energy home pilot project will be available for mid-market rent.

Of the 76 houses available to buy through the Scottish Government’s new supply shared equity scheme, 16 have been reserved already.

https://youtu.be/MZZkwEvBmVw

Following a visit to see how the project was progressing, Humza Yousaf, MSP for Pollok, said: “This area really needs that regeneration and Sanctuary is putting its money where its mouth is.

“I’m impressed with the speed at which the houses have gone up and impressed with the quality as well.

“There are a large number of apprentices and I’m delighted to see so many from the local area. This development and the affordable housing options it offers will greatly benefit my constituents.”

CCG director, Calum Murray, said: “Working with partners such as Sanctuary allows us to continue to deliver job and training opportunities to young people and we are delighted to do this at Newfield Square.

“Job creation and training is just as important as the provision of new homes in creating a legacy for local communities.”