The delivery of the development was made possible through collaborative efforts with Renfrewshire Council and a grant of £3.2 million from The Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme. The project site, located approximately 1.3 km southeast of the town centre, was previously an unoccupied and disused area of land with a rich historical background.

In its early days, in the 19th century, the site served as farmland and later, in the early 20th century, accommodated part of a double-track railway, eventually transitioning into housing and an infants’ school. Now, it stands as a beacon of community development and revitalisation providing homes for families in need.

Throughout the development process, McTaggart Construction actively engaged with local school and community groups. Their efforts included organising curriculum events that reached over 600 young people across Renfrewshire and hosting career insight events that benefited 85 young individuals.

Collaborating with employability partners such as Barnardo’s Works, Street League, and Invest in Renfrewshire, McTaggart Construction also launched a joint employability programme aimed at opening up career opportunities in the construction industry to young people and job seekers.

Site manager Allan Russell, a Renfrewshire local, who led the project to completion, expressed: “Cartha Crescent has been an excellent development, and it holds a special place in my heart as it marks my first project in a leadership role. The opportunity to grow from starting out with McTaggart to leading this significant project highlights the dedication and commitment of the entire McTaggart Construction team.”

Allan’s journey stands as a testament to the possibilities within the company and serves as an inspiration to the youngsters McTaggart Construction has engaged with through their school and community outreach efforts.

Janice Russell, managing director at McTaggart Construction, praised the completion of the 33 new homes for Williamsburgh Housing Association, emphasising the impact this development will have on the community and the residents it serves.

Jonathan Grant, CEO at Williamsburgh Housing Association, said: “This is a fantastic development providing much needed family homes in our community. The area has been completely transformed and everyone at WHA is thrilled for the tenants who have such a vibrant place to call home. I would like to express my thanks to the team at McTaggart Construction who have worked tirelessly to deliver this project.”

Visiting the site, George Adam MSP for Paisley added: “It was a real pleasure to have the chance to visit these new energy efficient homes, they have a really modern design, they are very spacious, and I was very impressed with the structural elements and fittings within each new home.

“Williamsburgh Housing  Association and McTaggart Construction have produced housing that is a credit to our town and the local community; they are to be congratulated.

“With a bit of help from the Scottish Government, this is the type of affordable housing that we should aspire to create throughout Scotland.”