Tenants are now settling into their homes at Pipistrelle Wynd, Dowanfield Road, Cumbernauld, which are a mix of 16 x 2-bedroom flats and 8 x 3-bedroom flats.

The 24 new homes, delivered by Zoom Developments, were purchased directly from the developer and as a result of the council’s affordable housing policy agreement. It’s all part of North Lanarkshire Council’s ambitious new housing supply programme which now aims to deliver 6,000 new homes by 2035.

These new modern homes for rent mark the council’s 1,580th new build completion and are built to an extremely high standard. They feature energy efficiency measures to help tackle fuel poverty, have iMist fire suppression as a safety and the properties have access to communal electrical vehicle pillars.  

The homes are located close to Ravenswood local nature reserve and are within a short walking distance of local amenities on the edge of Cumbernauld Town Centre. They sit on the site of the former Kingfisher restaurant and pub which has been vacant, following a fire, since 2015.

Marking the handover, Councillor Michael McPake met with new tenant Dorothy Terras who has been enjoying life in her new home.

Housing convener, Councillor Michael McPake, said: “Our affordable housing policy is key to us meeting housing need and enhancing the quality of life for local communities. This project is an excellent example of how we’re successfully working with developers to deliver high quality homes, benefiting communities and the local economy.

“We recently announced the expansion of our new supply programme which aims to deliver a range of housing across our communities. Our programme is instrumental in regenerating towns and local communities, creating local jobs, transforming derelict sites and meeting the aspirations of our tenants and residents. We’re committed to continuing the roll out of our new supply programme and investing in our communities to make North Lanarkshire the place to live.”

The development cost £3.59m with a Scottish Government grant funding contribution of £2.40m.

Zoom Developments managing director, Jim O’Donnell, added: “Zoom and our partners are delighted to have come together to transform a derelict site into a fantastic development of 24 flats, adding to the supply of affordable, energy-efficient homes in Cumbernauld.”