Work has started on 150 new GHA homes as part of plans to transform a community in the south of Glasgow.

First Minster Nicola Sturgeon, MSP for Glasgow Southside, joined leader of Glasgow City Council Frank McAveety and local elected members as well as GHA tenants and staff to mark the start of work on the site in Hinshelwood Drive in Ibrox.

The mixed tenure development will be made up of 152 flats, including 116 for social rent and 36 for mid-market rent.

The East Govan/Ibrox area has been earmarked as a priority for regeneration by Transforming Communities: Glasgow (TC:G) a strategic partnership between the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and GHA.

The mid-market rent homes, which are a good option for people who may not qualify for social housing but can’t get on the property ladder, will be let and managed by GHA’s sister organisation within Wheatley Group, Lowther Homes.

The new energy-efficient homes at Hinshelwood Drive, which are a mix of one and two-bedroom flats, should be complete by early 2019.

Ms Sturgeon said: “I’m delighted to see this new development, which will be very warmly welcomed by the local community.

“I look forward to visiting once the development is complete and I congratulate everyone involved in getting this off the ground.”

Councillor McAveety said: “I am pleased to see the start of work on these fantastic new homes in Ibrox.

“The quality of these homes and their innovative design will improve the lives of the people living there, and I am proud that the council is working with our partners to help deliver them.”

GHA chair Bernadette Hewitt added: “These modern, new homes will make a big difference to people’s quality of life.

“The high-quality, energy-efficient design means tenants will save on their fuel bills too.”

The homes are being built by contractors Cruden Buildings and Renewals Limited.

Managing director Allan Callaghan said: “We are building 152 high-quality, modern flats which will be warmer, cheaper to run and have fewer carbon emissions.

“Throughout this project we will provide apprenticeships and training opportunities to give young people first-hand experience of the construction industry.”

The new homes in Hinshelwood Drive follow 80 new homes which were built by GHA in Holmfauldhead Drive in 2011, and another 47 in Summertown Road in 2012.

In 2013, a GHA multi-storey block at nearby Ibroxholm Oval which was due to be demolished was transformed into 98 flats for mid-market rent.

Over the past year, GHA has invested more than £1.5 million improving homes in the Govan and Ibrox area.

GHA has installed boilers in almost 400 homes across the area, installed new close doors and new controlled entry systems in tenements in Ibrox, and new kitchens and bathrooms in some homes.

Over the next 12 months, GHA will be carrying out similar home improvements across the area, as well as painting closes in the Ibrox area and installing new windows at Langlands Road.

Transforming Communites: Glasgow was established in 2012 to oversee the delivery of eight priority regeneration areas across Glasgow.

The eight areas are North Toryglen, East Govan/Ibrox, Pollokshaws, Red Road, Sighthill, Barmulloch, Laurieston and Maryhill.