The start of work on the four-storey block of 12 energy-efficient flats at Cross Arthurlie Street in Barrhead has been welcomed by Councillor Danny Devlin, convenor of Environment and Housing at East Renfrewshire Council.

The local authority and Barrhead Housing signed a Strategic Agreement last year seeking to address the shortage of affordable homes.

Councillor Devlin welcomed the transformation of the derelict brownfield site, close to Barrhead Park and Barrhead train station, as testimony to their joint commitment to provide high-quality affordable homes.

He said: “I’m delighted to see work starting on this important development in Barrhead. Transforming a derelict site into high-quality, energy-efficient homes is a fantastic example of how we can regenerate our communities while tackling the housing emergency we face here in East Renfrewshire.

“These new homes will make a real difference for local families and strengthen our commitment to creating flourishing neighbourhoods across East Renfrewshire.”

The development, which is being built by family-owned independent housebuilder AS Homes (Scotland), will include a residential parking court and complementary landscaping. The project represents the latest milestone in the long-standing partnership between Barrhead Housing and AS Homes. 

Barrhead Housing secured £2.4m in grant funding from the Scottish Government for the delivery of the development.

Chief executive Lorna Wilson said: “The start of work on this site is a great way to start 2026. It is possible because of the close working partnership we share with the local authority, Scottish Government, and AS Homes.”

The housing association, which owns more than 1000 homes across East Renfrewshire, aims through its ‘Build homes, grow communities, delight customers’ strategy, to deliver 336 affordable homes between now and 2030.

Paul Kelly, managing director of AS Homes (Scotland), said: “Starting work on this site at Cross Arthurlie Street is an important step in bringing much-needed new social homes to Barrhead.

“This is a prime example of how brownfield land can be sensitively regenerated to deliver real community benefit. We’re proud to be working in partnership with Barrhead Housing once again.”