Council builds new homes for Cumbernauld

The latest phase of North Lanarkshire Council’s new house building project has brought 29 homes to the town and marks the start of work on a further 30 affordable properties.

The Gateside Way site on North Road - which was built by Wates Living Space on behalf of the council – includes 21 terraced and eight semi-detached houses.

All the properties are energy efficient and accessible, and included a home specially designed for someone using a wheelchair, which will make all their living accommodation accessible on one level.

The project is a real boost for the local community and pupils from nearby St Maurice’s High School also got involved with the development.

They created artwork for the hoarding panels around the homes and the pupils also took part in work experience placements at the site.

North Lanarkshire Provost Jim Robertson, who officially opened the new area, said: “The completion of this development underlines our firm commitment to providing first-class housing as part of our new build programme.

“It is exciting to see the properties finished and the tenants enjoying life in their new surroundings.”

And as one development was officially opened, work got underway at nearby Westfied Drive which will be the site of 30 new council houses and is scheduled to be completed in August, 2013.

This development is also being built by Wates Living Space at a cost of £3m.

These latest homes are being built as part of the council’s £150m Building for the Future programme that will see 1,000 new homes for rent completed by 2020.

Councillor Sam Love, who is convener of housing and social work services, cut the first ‘turf’ on the site which will include 12 cottage flats and 18 houses.

He said: “This development is just one of a number that are currently being progressed across North Lanarkshire and will deliver much-needed new homes for current and future residents in the area.

“The Building for the Future programme not only provides homes which are warm, safe and eco-friendly but also helps to support the construction industry and provide local employment. All the properties are built to the highest industry standards and include quality kitchens, bathrooms and space for tenants to enjoy.”

The council has been successful in securing a funding contribution of £25,000 to £30,000 per unit from the Scottish Government for all of its new build developments to date.

In total has secured £11 million of Scottish Government funding towards the overall cost of the programme.

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS: Provost Jim Robertson cuts the ribbon to officially open 29 new homes at North Road.