A ceremonial sod cutting has taken place at the Laurieston Living regeneration site in the Gorbals area of Glasgow.

Work is underway on the second phase, with a total of 173 private for sale homes being built by Urban Union. The new development is expected to complete by early 2021, with first residents due to move in later this year.

Partners involved in the regeneration of the site attended an event to mark the occasion, with Neil McKay, managing director of Urban Union, joining Mhairi Hunter, Councillor Southside Central ward and city convener health & social care, and Fraser Stewart, director, New Gorbals Housing Association, to break soil on the new phase of construction.

Neil McKay, managing director of Urban Union, said: “The next phase of regeneration at Laurieston will create more high quality housing for people who need it. We have already seen an incredible appetite for these homes, with more than 30 sold since January.

“It was a pleasure to welcome partners to the site today for the ceremonial sod cutting and we look forward to working together going forward to further improve the area for the benefit of those who live and work here.”

Laurieston is one of eight areas in the city earmarked for regeneration as part of the Transforming Communities: Glasgow programme – a partnership between Glasgow Housing Association, Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government. The programme aims to provide new sustainable mixed tenure communities through the provision of new housing, community facilities, green space and, where appropriate, commercial units.

Councillor Kenny McLean, chair of Transforming Communities: Glasgow and city convener for neighbourhoods, housing and public realm, said: “These new homes mark another step towards the completion of this new neighbourhood for the city.

“I am delighted to see work beginning on this phase, bringing more quality housing to a community located beside the city centre. I am sure all those moving into these homes over the next few years will enjoy being part of something special in Laurieston.”

The homes in the second phase at Laurieston will be a mix of terraces and apartments, with architects Anderson Bell + Christie leading on the design.

Linda Malone, chairperson of New Gorbals Housing Association, said: “We have an excellent working partnership with Urban Union and wish them every success in the development of this second phase which will also deliver a wonderful new linear park that everyone in the Laurieston area can enjoy.”

Laurieston Living is a £100 million revitalisation of the Gorbals area, with plans to deliver a total of four phases over a nine-year period. Phase 1A saw 201 homes constructed for social rent for New Gorbals Housing Association.

Phase 1B delivered a further 108 homes – 39 for mid market rent for New Gorbals Housing Association and 69 for private sale for Urban Union. Phase 1C, currently under construction, will deliver 46 new socially rented apartments for New Gorbals Housing Association.