Working alongside project partners CCG (Scotland) and West Dunbartonshire Council, Caledonia celebrated the delivery of 27 high-quality new homes at Whiteford Avenue.

The new homes include a mix of 4, 3, and 2-bed houses, along with 1 and 2-bed cottage flats. Designed to be modern, accessible and energy efficient, helping residents to stay warm and keep energy costs low. The homes will provide much-needed affordable housing for local residents, including families moving on from temporary accommodation and residents affected by future demolition phases.

The wider Bellsmyre regeneration project will transform the community by delivering 138 new energy-efficient affordable homes over the next five years, replacing 264 older flats.

Alongside new housing, the project will enhance public spaces, creating a greener, safer and more connected neighbourhood, delivering enhanced public spaces and wider community benefits, including local employability and skills opportunities. The project is supported by £4.4m of Scottish Government grant funding.

The regeneration programme directly supports the Scottish Government’s Housing Emergency Action Plan, contributing to the delivery of safe, warm and affordable homes and helping tackle the root causes of child poverty.

Karis McKinlay, a long-standing resident of Bellsmyre, who has just received the keys to her new family home, said: “Getting our new home is totally indescribable - one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. We’ve been waiting for so long and finally seeing what years of effort have led to is just incredible.

“The houses are amazing. It’s pure excitement and giddiness - like being a child again opening a present on Christmas Day. Seeing how much this home is going to benefit my daughter and me means everything. It’s a beautiful home, and it’s going to give our family a much better life.”

Julie Cosgrove, chief executive of Caledonia Housing Association, said: “This marks a significant milestone for Bellsmyre and everyone involved. It is fantastic to see the first new homes completed and to celebrate this achievement alongside our partners and the local community.

“This regeneration is about more than bricks and mortar – it is about creating a place where people can thrive. By working collaboratively with West Dunbartonshire Council and the Scottish Government, we are delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes that respond directly to the housing emergency and provide long-term benefits for current and future residents. We now look ahead with confidence to the next phase of delivery.”

Housing secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Following my visit to the Bellsmyre site in September last year, I’m delighted the first 27 high-quality, energy‑efficient social rented homes have now been completed.

“Supported by £4.4 million in funding from the Scottish Government, the project is being delivered through a strong working partnership with Caledonia Housing Association and West Dunbartonshire Council.

“This major investment has transformed West Dumbartonshire and will deliver in total 138 homes for social rent as part of a five‑year programme. The development is also a significant boost to affordable housing provision in the community for generations to come.

“We have supported the delivery of more than 141,000 affordable homes since 2007, with more than 101,000 of those being for social rent, including over 29,000 council homes. In 2026-27 we plan to invest a record £926 million in affordable housing. We remain focused on delivering 110,000 affordable homes across Scotland by 2032 with at least 70% of these will be for social rent and 10% in our rural and island communities.”

Jackie Baillie MSP said: “One of the most frequent issues raised with me with is the urgent need for modern, affordable and fit-for-purpose homes. There is a housing emergency across Scotland and in West Dunbartonshire, we need more homes built to meet demand.

“I am delighted that Caledonia Housing Association has had the vision and determination to invest in Bellsmyre and these new homes at Whiteford Avenue will truly transform lives by meeting the needs of local people and delivering quality homes for the future.”

David Wylie, managing director, CCG (Scotland), said: “CCG is grateful to Caledonia Housing Association and our design team partners for their support throughout the construction programme. While we were onsite for Phase 1 for just over a year, our involvement in the project dates back to 2022, so it’s a proud moment to see these new, highly energy-efficient homes now being occupied.

“I have no doubt the development will help strengthen the Bellsmyre community, and we look forward to returning in the spring to continue working alongside Caledonia and our partners as we begin construction on Phase 2.”

West Dunbartonshire Council’s convener of Housing and Communities, Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, said: “I am delighted to see the progress in this ambitious project to regenerate Bellsmyre. It is fantastic to hear from tenants on how their new homes and community are helping them build their lives here.

“Sustainable, affordable homes are in demand and, thanks to the council’s house building programme, as well as developments in partnership with housing associations like Caledonia, we are delivering for residents.”

Building on the momentum of Phase One, construction on Phase Two of the Bellsmyre Regeneration project is due to begin in spring 2026, continuing the transformation of the area and the delivery of a further 33 high-quality, affordable homes.