As this neighbourhood of new homes for social rent comes to life, the delivery of a mix of two and three bedroom terraced and semi-detached homes, signals the completion of the first partnership between Barrhead Housing Association and Taylor Wimpey West Scotland to supply new affordable homes for rent in East Renfrewshire.

The 12 new homes, designed by Taylor Wimpey, meet the sustainability requirements of the Scottish Government funding which was secured by Barrhead Housing Association to support delivery of this development at Neilston. In real terms, this means that Barrhead Housing Association will take ownership of 12 new homes which are ready for tenants to move into the day that keys are exchanged.

Caroline Proctor, land and planning director for Taylor Wimpey West Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to work with Barrhead Housing Association and to play a part in the delivery of much needed affordable housing in Neilston. This has been a successful first partnership together, and we anticipate that future land interests across the East Renfrewshire area will signal further opportunities for our organisations to work together.

“It is a real privilege to hand over 12 completed two and three-bedroom homes to Barrhead Housing Association, and seeing tenants bringing this street to life marks a milestone for our development in Neilston which is creating a fantastic new community that extends and complements the existing local community.”

The new affordable homes for social rent at Neilston Road in Neilston will form part of Barrhead Housing Association’s aim to play a key role in the Scottish Government’s commitment to deliver 50,000 new affordable homes in 2021.

David McCready, chairperson for Barrhead Housing Association, explained: “These new affordable, energy-efficient homes for social rent are a welcome boost to the local area. In these very difficult times with health and financial uncertainties and rising homelessness in our society, providing good quality affordable homes in the local area couldn’t have come at a better time.

“As part of partnership within East Renfrewshire Council, the homes are funded by the Scottish Government and Triodos Bank and part of the local strategic programme for the delivery of more affordable homes across the local area. We will continue to do what we can to respond to the
demand for more affordable homes.

“These 12 homes, which have been built by Taylor Wimpey to our specification, increase our supply of new-build homes in Neilston. We believe that everyone has the right to live in a secure, good quality, well-maintained home within communities that are safe, supported and inclusive, and we are absolutely delighted with the quality and care that Taylor Wimpey has taken to get these homes right for us and our tenants.”

Graeme Galloway, Senior Relationship Manager at Triodos Bank UK, said: “We are delighted to provide funding to Barrhead Housing Association to support the development of new, affordable homes. The bank is pleased to see such a wide range of support from our customer to its tenants during these difficult times.”

Councillor Tony Buchanan, East Renfrewshire Council’s leader and Barrhead HA Board member, added: “This development is an excellent addition to the Neilston community, and I commend Barrhead Housing Association and Taylor Wimpey for their partnership working on the project. Housing continues to be in high demand in East Renfrewshire and these affordable homes will make a big difference to those in need. Providing affordable, high quality housing is a key priority for the Council and I look forward to seeing these tenants and families make Neilston their home.”

Councillor Danny Devlin, housing and maintenance convener, said: “East Renfrewshire continues to be an extremely popular place to live, so it is especially pleasing to see affordable homes constructed here in Neilston. We are passionate about creating communities and homes, not just houses, throughout our towns and villages, and this development reflects this. I would like to wish the new tenants all the best in their fantastic new homes, where I am sure they will be very happy.”