Trust Housing Association, in partnership with the Scottish Government and Argyll & Bute Council, has begun transforming a former partially unoccupied sheltered housing development in Strachur into 16 fully refurbished and highly energy efficient general needs homes.

The former sheltered housing development of 21 small purpose-built homes had become no longer fit for purpose, following the withdrawal of revenue funding in 2017. Trust ceased re-letting homes in 2019. In 2022, Trust began working in consultation with the remaining seven residents on redevelopment plans which would see all existing customers’ homes extended and fully refurbished.

The regeneration works also include the demolition of a number of redundant buildings, including a former staff office, customer lounge, assisted bathroom and laundry facilities, which are all legacies of the site’s former sheltered housing past.

The reduction in overall properties has allowed Trust to develop a new sustainable housing mix on site to meet the local housing needs, removing all the previous unpopular sheltered housing studio properties.

The space standards of the new reimagined general needs homes will be enhanced via new single-storey extensions, with all 16 homes refurbished entirely, benefitting from new internal doors, kitchens and bathrooms.

As well as enhanced space standards, the homes will benefit greatly from a range of fabric and energy efficiency improvements. New roofs, windows, external doors and a range of loft, floor and wall insulation will be complemented by the addition of new High Retention heating (replacing the former Liquid Petroleum Gas system) as well as solar panel and battery storage installations on each property – helping to reduce customers energy costs and helping Trust decarbonise their housing stock.

External improvements are also being provided with the creation of a new, centrally located, area of green open space and increased car parking for customers.

Works began on site in March 2025 and upon completion in March 2026, the re-imagined Manse Gardens will consist of 13 x 1-bed: 2 x 2-bed and 1 x 3-bed much needed general needs homes, all for social rent.

The works are being delivered by Argyll and Bute-based TSL Contractors Limited, and Trust has been supported in the design and delivery of the project by Anderson Bell + Christie architects (energy consultants), Mike Hyatt Landscape Architects, McDonald & Cameron Ltd and Green Home Systems Limited.

The cost of delivering the regeneration of Manse Gardens will be met by Trust Housing Association, supported by £1.6m of funding from the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme, £192k from Argyll & Bute Council’s Strategic Housing Fund and a proportion of ECO4 grant funding.

Jackie McIntosh, Trust HA’s director of assets & sustainability, said: “I am delighted that our regeneration project at Manse Gardens is progressing well after a number of years of planning and preparation. The project has been made possible thanks to the continued support of both the Scottish Government’s More Homes Team and Argyll & Bute Council.

“We are delighted to be helping contribute to the acute housing emergency in Argyll & Bute by creating these new supply general needs homes that will meet the needs of the local community now and for generations to come.”

Housing minister Paul McLennan added:  “I’m pleased to see the refurbishment of Manse Gardens is underway. It will provide an additional 16 high quality homes in Strachur and we’re delighted to have contributed a grant of £1.6m through the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme.

“Housing is both a social and economic good which is why we are investing £768m through the affordable housing supply budget this financial year. We have a strong track record in delivering affordable housing in Scotland, with more than 136,000 affordable homes delivered, including 97,000 for social rent, between 2007 and 2024.”

Jim Lynch, leader of Argyll and Bute Council, commented:  “I am delighted that we are able to support this exciting project in Strachur through our Strategic Housing Fund. Together with our partners, we are continuing to take action to address the shortage of affordable housing in Argyll and Bute and we remain committed to tackling the housing emergency to ensure everyone has a suitable place to call home.”

Brendan McWilliams, head of building for TSL, said: “TSL are delighted to commence the redevelopment of Trust Housing Association’s site at Manse Gardens in Strachur, Argyll and Bute.

“Working closely with Trust and their design team partners, Anderson Bell Christie, G3, Carbon Futures and NBM, TSL are forging ahead with the initial site demolition and clearance works on site.”