Affordable housing in Renfrewshire receives £14.7million boost

Renfrewshire is set to see a boost in the number of affordable homes available for residents after it was announced £14.7million will be allocated to the area in 2018/19.

The announcement was made by the Scottish Government as part of a £35million increase in council allocations in 2018/19, bringing the total investment to £568million.

The funding will assist in the delivery of Renfrewshire’s Local Housing Strategy which aims to complete 1,000 new, affordable homes in the five years to 2021.

Housing partner Sanctuary Scotland has recently completed the first phase of new housing at Andrew Avenue in Renfrew, with a second phase due for completion later this year which will bring the total number of completed homes to 137.

Work is also underway on 130 new homes on the site of the former St Mirren football ground on Love Street in Paisley, as well as 67 affordable homes at Inchinnan Road in Renfrew.

Further projects will see construction begin later this year on 80 new houses in Bishopton, as well as 95 new homes at Johnstone Castle which will see outdated flats replaced in a major housing regeneration project.

Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, said: “We are committed to providing high-quality, affordable homes that will encourage people to come and live and work in Renfrewshire.

“We will continue to work closely with our housing association partners in utilising this funding to deliver new build projects which meet the identified need and demand across Renfrewshire.

“This latest investment will ensure people can access homes they are proud to live in as we look to create positive, thriving communities throughout the area.”

Investment in affordable housing is set to rise to £591million in 2019/20 and £630million in 2020/21 bringing the overall funding allocated to councils to £1.79billion over three years.

Scottish Government Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “We will work in partnership with councils and housing associations to deliver quality homes to meet local needs.

“This investment backs up our ambitions with financial certainty, meaning councils can plan homes now, with a guarantee of increased funding each year.”

For further information on housing investment in Renfrewshire visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/housing.