Housing associations work together to transform derelict Ruchazie site

Glasgow City Council leader Frank McAveety and Cube Chair Liz Ruine welcome new Cube tenant Andrina Dickson into her new home in Bankend Street, Ruchazie
Glasgow City Council leader Frank McAveety and Cube Chair Liz Ruine welcome new Cube tenant Andrina Dickson into her new home in Bankend Street, Ruchazie

A partnership between two housing associations has marked the next stage in the regeneration of a Glasgow community.

Cube Housing Association, part of Wheatley Group, and Ruchazie Housing Association joined forces to build 60 new homes on derelict land in Ruchazie.

As well as providing more affordable homes for people in the city, the development is another step in the regeneration of low Ruchazie - which had been blighted with derelict land for years.

The new development, in Milncroft Road and Bankend Street, is a mix of homes for social rent, mid-market rent and shared equity.

The land had lain empty for 12 years after tenements on the site were demolished.

Councillor Frank McAveety, leader of Glasgow City Council, met some of the tenants and saw how the homes have helped transform the area.

Glasgow City Council leader Frank McAveety with tenants and staff of Cube, staff from Wheatley Group and Ruchazie Housing Association, along with local elected members and representatives from Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Government and Crudens Building and Renewal outside the new homes in Ruchazie
Glasgow City Council leader Frank McAveety with tenants and staff of Cube, staff from Wheatley Group and Ruchazie Housing Association, along with local elected members and representatives from Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Government and Crudens Building and Renewal outside the new homes in Ruchazie

Cube tenant Andrina Dickson moved into a three-bedroom home in Bankend Street with son Ryan, 12, earlier this year.

Andrina, 33, a full-time mum, said: “What a difference. I really love it here.

“It’s great having my own garden. It means my wee boy can go out and play safely.

“And having a driveway means friends and family can park easily.

“The kitchen is huge - there’s so much more space - and I can entertain in the kitchen too.

“It’s so comfortable I haven’t even had to put my heating on at all.

“There’s a really good community here and the neighbours are so friendly.”

A total of 16 of the new homes are Cube social rented homes and 14 for Ruchazie Housing Association. Another 20 are for mid-market rent, owned by Cube and managed by Lowther Homes, Cube’s partner in Wheatley Group.

There are also ten shared equity homes in the development.

Councillor Frank McAveety, who is also a former local councillor for the area, said: “This is a fantastic development in Ruchazie, creating top-quality new homes for rent and sale.

“My congratulations to the housing associations involved, whose collaboration and partnership with the council allowed the development to take place.

“I am really thrilled to see the completion of such an asset for this great community.”

New Cube tenant Andrina Dickson with son Ryan in her new home in Ruchazie
New Cube tenant Andrina Dickson with son Ryan in her new home in Ruchazie

The £6.5 million development includes £1.2m from the Scottish Government’s Greener Homes Innovation Scheme as well as £1.4m grant assistance from Glasgow City Council. The homes were built by Cruden Buildings and Renewals.

Ann Macdonald, secretary of Ruchazie Housing Association, said: “I’m very happy to see the new homes at Milncroft Road and our tenants are really enjoying living there.

“The successful partnership between ourselves, Cube, MAST Architects and Crudens Building and Renewal has completed the regeneration of low Ruchazie.”

Liz Ruine, Cube chair, said: “These modern, spacious homes will help tenants save on their fuel bills and help us tackle fuel poverty at the same time.

“Our successful partnership with Ruchazie Housing Association means this is another important step in the regeneration of the whole area.”

Allan Callaghan, managing director of Cruden Buildings and Renewals Limited, said: “We were delighted to deliver this high quality, energy-efficient housing development and to play our part in transforming derelict land into a thriving community.

“Cruden is passionate about giving back to local communities and we were pleased to refurbish the nearby community church which will benefit the local area for years to come.”

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