The agreement follows the successful delivery of 12 affordable houses for BHA in Neilston and signals a key milestone in the provision of much-needed homes for social rent in Barrhead.

Construction of these new homes, which include two and three bedroom semi-detached and terraced houses, as well as two-bedroom cottage flats, is already underway. These new affordable homes are expected to be complete by summer 2023.

The 25 new homes, designed by Taylor Wimpey, and supported by East Renfrewshire Council, meet the Scottish Government’s energy-efficiency and sustainability targets, which will help their residents to minimise their energy bills, in the coming years. Barrhead Housing Association has been able to secure £2.2m in grant funding from the Scottish Government, which will enable the delivery of this development at Barrhead.

Caroline Proctor, land and planning director for Taylor Wimpey West Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to have the opportunity once again to work with Barrhead Housing Association and to play a part in the delivery of much needed affordable housing in East Renfrewshire. This agreement follows our first successful partnership together in Neilston, and we are pleased that our track record on that project has created this opportunity for our organisations to work together again.”

The new affordable homes for social rent within the Duncarnock development in Barrhead will form part of Barrhead Housing’s aim to play a key role in the Scottish Government’s commitment to deliver new affordable homes in Scotland and East Renfrewshire Council’s commitment to provide more social rented homes.

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

“These 25 homes, which will be built by Taylor Wimpey to our specification, increase our supply of new-build homes in Barrhead. 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 were absolutely delighted with the quality and care that Taylor Wimpey took to get our homes in Neilston right for us and our tenants, and we expect the same for this latest project in Barrhead.”

East Renfrewshire Council’s housing convenor and Barrhead HA board member, Councillor Danny Devlin, added: “Housing continues to be in high demand in East Renfrewshire and these affordable homes will make a big difference to those in need, so I commend Barrhead Housing Association and Taylor Wimpey for their partnership working on the project. Providing affordable, high-quality housing continues to be a high priority for the council and this development is an excellent addition to the Barrhead community. I’d like to wish the new tenants all the best in their new homes.”