GHA tenant says new home has changed her life
A new home has changed the life of a GHA tenant in Carntyne and is even helping two of her sons get on better.
Clare Carvill, 31, moved into her new three-bedroom home in Marfield Street with her three sons last October.
And she says the extra space is helping her sons get on together, while the energy-efficient design means her home is warm and cosy and will cut her fuel bills.
Housing minister Margaret Burgess joined GHA tenants and staff, staff from Wheatley Group - GHA’s parent company - as well as local elected members and representatives from the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and contractors City Building to open the new development.
The 100 new GHA homes in Marfield Street are a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses and flats.
The £8.4 million development, which includes £4.4m funding from the Scottish Government, features an amenity block with 43 flats for older tenants, eight of which are built to wheelchair standard.
Also included in the development are eight highly energy-efficient homes with features including a sunroom and solar panels, which make them warmer and lead to lower fuel bills.
Clare, a housekeeper, said: “The size of our new home, and the space we have, has made a big difference.
“My two older boys are 13 and 14 and they used to share a room. Now they have their own rooms they get along much better.
“They’re very happy with the space they have and they both love it here.
“The sunroom is a real godsend - when the sun is out you can feel the heat all through the house.
“This home really has made a massive difference to our lives.”
Housing minister Margaret Burgess said: “GHA is delivering quality, sustainable affordable housing for tenants across Glasgow.
“The Scottish Government has invested £4.4m in these Carntyne homes and will continue to do all it can to support similar developments, not only in Glasgow, but across the whole of Scotland.
“We are investing over £1.7 billion to deliver our target of 30,000 affordable homes during the lifetime of this Parliament, and are already three quarters of the way to achieving this target.”
The eight energy-efficient homes in Marfield Street feature high levels of insulation - even under the foundations - coupled with simple technology which results in low energy running costs.
The homes include a south-facing two-storey sunspace that acts as a thermal buffer, preheats fresh air and provides additional living space. They also have solar thermal panels in the roof.
GHA chair Gordon Sloan said: “I’m really happy Clare and her family have settled into their new home.
“These modern homes are very energy-efficient, which helps us reduce carbon emissions and helps us tackle fuel poverty.
“They also provide a real boost to the whole area.”
City Building, as part of its contract with GHA, created 18 full-time jobs, as well as 20 apprenticeships for local people.
Maureen Burke, chair of City Building, said: “We have worked closely with GHA to deliver this project to ensure residents have a warm spacious home that will help keep their energy costs at a manageable level.
“The quality of the new homes is testament to the hard work of our entire team in collaboration with GHA.”
GHA currently has more than 600 homes being built in communities across Glasgow, including Sighthill, North Toryglen, Roystonhill and Scotstoun.
A further 157 new GHA homes being built in Barmulloch are expected to be complete around this summer.