Sanctuary Scotland housing project helps families’ fortunes

Charlotte Taylor and family in their new home
Charlotte Taylor and family in their new home

An affordable housing project has made life better for dozens of families in Glasgow.

Many children have been moved into more secure, more attractive and more spacious homes at Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association’s new development in Ruchill.

The £9.5 million project’s 70 properties help address a local shortage of affordable housing.

Happy tenants recently receiving keys to their new homes include Charlotte Taylor who shares a three-bedroom house in Hugo Street with partner Barry and daughters Sienna (3), Hollie (1) and Lucy (7 months).

Charlotte, 24, said: “We love our new home – it’s much better for our family.

“Our two-bedroom flat in Arden was two flights up and impossible with a double buggy.

“Moving here has been a very welcome lifestyle change. It’s great to be able to walk out the front door and have a garden where the girls can play.”

Musu Fofanah moved to Hugo Close from temporary accommodation following the death of her partner.

Like daughters Munjay (13) and Mumama (6), she is thrilled to have a place to call “home”.

Musu, 37, said: “Moving here has made a big difference to our lives – it’s great to have this security.

“The girls love having their own rooms and a garden to play in after school.

“I screamed with joy when offered the house. We’re so happy to be here.”

Glasgow City Council leader Frank McAveety was impressed by the development
Glasgow City Council leader Frank McAveety was impressed by the development

The development was built in partnership with Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government, thanks in part to a £3.9m grant.

Fifty two of the homes are available for social rent. The remaining 18 have already been sold through the Scottish Government’s shared equity scheme.

A communal play park within the development is widely used by local children and complements other landscaped areas.

Gordon Laurie, director – Sanctuary in Scotland, said: “The reaction our new-build homes receive is a reason why we want to build many more.

“We will continue to work with Glasgow City Council to improve the amount of affordable housing available to tenants.”

Councillor Frank McAveety, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “This is a fantastic housing project for Glasgow, bringing 70 high-quality, affordable new homes to Ruchill.

“It is great to see another development of homes in the city that make such a positive change to people’s lives, and enabling such projects all across Glasgow is a key priority for the council.”

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