Caledonia Housing Association will deliver the £7.3 million project alongside partners CCG (Scotland), West Dunbartonshire Council and the Scottish Government who provided £4.4m of grant funding.

The first phase of this significant regeneration initiative will deliver 27 new energy-efficient, high quality social rented homes and is expected to be completed by Spring 2026.

The new homes, including a mix of 4, 3, and 2-bed houses as well as 1 and 2-bed cottage flats, are designed to provide modern, comfortable, and sustainable housing for local residents. These properties will primarily support tenants currently living in temporary accommodation and those affected by future demolition phases.

The 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, and more connected neighbourhood that benefits both tenants and the wider area.”

Welcoming the start of construction, Julie Cosgrove, chief executive of Caledonia Housing Association, said: “Start on site marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Bellsmyre. Despite the challenges of recent years, our project team has worked tirelessly to bring us to this point. Our commitment to delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes is matched by our ambition to create a thriving and sustainable community. We appreciate the ongoing support from our tenants and the local community as we work through the regeneration programme. I would like to thank West Dunbartonshire Council and the Scottish Government for their vital support in making this happen.”

Social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville added: “The regeneration work that has begun at Bellsmyre to build 138 high quality energy efficient social rented homes over the next five years will enhance the whole area and create a more connected community. Backed by £4.4 million of Scottish Government funding this partnership with Caledonia Housing Association and West Dunbartonshire Council, will significantly boost the affordable housing supply to meet the needs of the local community for generations to come.

“We have a strong track record in affordable housing and have supported the delivery of more than 136,000 affordable homes since 2007, with more than 97,000 of those being for social rent. We remain focused on delivering 110,000 affordable homes across Scotland by 2032 with at least 70% for social rent and 10% in our rural and island communities, backed by £768m of investment this year.”

Jackie Baillie MSP said: “I am delighted that Caledonia Housing has been able to progress with the regeneration of Bellsmyre and build additional much-needed new homes. One of the issues I hear about most frequently from local people is the requirement for more, better quality homes.

“This development will fulfil that need and also create the smaller and larger homes which are lacking in the social housing portfolio. Much more funding is required to build new socially rented homes fit for the future.”

CCG managing director, David Wylie, said: “Having been involved in the regeneration of Bellsmyre since 2022, CCG is delighted to have now commenced construction on behalf of Caledonia Housing Association at Whiteford Avenue.

“Through the use of our advanced construction methods and low-carbon heating technologies, these new homes will not only address localised housing needs, but they will also help to tackle fuel poverty and positively impact the environment.

“The legacy of the development will also be felt within the community with two jobs, one trade apprenticeship, and six work placements amongst the various initiatives that CCG will undertake during our construction programme.

“We look forward to working alongside Caledonia and local community members in the weeks and months ahead.”