A ceremony to open Govanhill Housing Association’s new development on the site of the former Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Inglefield Street was attended on Friday by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and other elected representatives.

Among the local residents who have been offered new homes are wheelchair user Tanveer Hussain and his family, who have been able to move from their third floor flat, to a fully adapted ground floor property.

Tanveer’s sister Hannah Hussain said: “Moving into the new house at Inglefield Street has changed our lives for the better. The new flat is fully-wheelchair accessible and there is enough room for my brother to self-propel around, which will allow him to be more independent.”

Another happy tenant is mature student Eva who is in her final year at Glasgow Caledonian University studying International Business and Tourism.

Eva said: “I was living in a 1 bed flat with a 7 ½ month old baby – so I feel really great to be moving into a new 2 bedroom flat. Everything is so clean and new, it’s a great start for us.”

The new development has also allowed Morag McCrae to move closer to her family after 15 years in Somerset. Morag, who was born in Batson Street, is happy to be able to move back to the neighbourhood she grew up in.

Morag added: “I was so excited when I got the phone call about the flat. In some ways it’s quite surreal to be back, in other ways I feel like – was I ever away.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who is also the local Southside MSP, said: “I am delighted to open this much needed housing development in Govanhill and particularly pleased that the variety of accommodation has been specifically designed to meet local needs and improve lives. I look forward to meeting new tenants and congratulate the Association and everyone involved in the project.”

The Inglefield Street development has been supported by £1.64 million of grant funding from Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government.

Councillor Kenny McLean, city convenor for neighbourhoods, housing and public realm, said: “It’s great news that the council is investing in Govanhill as part of a longer term plan to improve the area’s housing stock.

“This development provides a good mix of housing for the community that help to meet local demand. Bringing a previously vacant site back into use has a real benefit for the look of the area and it’s clear the available space has been used very creatively.

“We have been working very closely with Govanhill Housing Association on a number of initiatives in recent years and it’s very pleasing that this partnership continues to deliver positive results for the community.”

Govanhill Housing Association’s chairperson, John McLardie, added: “This project, which is part of our regeneration strategy for Govanhill, provides much-needed social housing for people in the area. We would like to thank our construction partner CCG (Scotland) Ltd who delivered these homes to a very high standard. I am also thrilled that that company were able to provide local employment opportunities during the phase of construction as well as contributing £6,000 to a community garden project, for community benefit.”