Flats earmarked for demolition have been given a new lease of life thanks to a £3.4 million regeneration project in Glasgow.

Forty flats at Shawbridge Street in Pollokshaws have been refurbished and turned into modern, two-bedroom homes for mid-market rent.

Yesterday housing minister Margaret Burgess visited the development to meet with some of the new tenants and see for herself the huge transformation of the two blocks.

The regeneration project was carried out by GHA, part of Wheatley Group, with part funding by the Scottish Government’s Greener Homes Innovation Fund. The homes – which have a range of energy-efficient features including solar panels and sun rooms – are let and managed by Lowther Homes, GHA’s sister organisation.

Housing minister Margaret Burgess said: “Housing is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s ambitions to create a fairer and more prosperous country. We are committed to encouraging innovative housing initiatives, and this development is a great example of that. Not only has it brought run-down buildings back to life, but it provides people and families with the chance to rent a new home at affordable rates.”

Tenant Domenic Lombardi, 60, who showed the minister his new flat, said: “The attention to detail is excellent and the quality of the finish is really good – everything is brand new. I was really delighted to get one of these flats. I have lived in this area for a long time and it’s really well located with great transport links.”

Mid-market homes are available to households earning a modest income and provide an option for people who cannot afford to buy a home of their own nor access social housing.

Pollokshaws is one of eight areas earmarked as a priority for regeneration by Transforming Communities: Glasgow – a partnership between Glasgow City Council, GHA and the Scottish Government. GHA has already built 93 new homes for social rent in the area with a further 46 due in 2016.

GHA chair Gordon Sloan said: “These flats are highly energy efficient and offer the option of an affordable, quality home to rent. That’s particularly important for individuals who can’t get on the property ladder at the moment.”

Bailie Liz Cameron, chair of TCG board, added: “This is fantastic news for Pollokshaws as local homes and the area have been transformed through the partnership between Glasgow City Council, GHA and the Scottish Government. I hope all those living in these homes continue to enjoy living in them and we can look forward to many more examples of new or improved flats and houses through this programme over the next few years.”

City Building, which refurbished the blocks, provided training and employment opportunities for 14 local people including five youth apprentices as part of its contract with GHA.

Councillor Maureen Burke, chair of City Building, said: “City Building has been pleased to work alongside Lowther Homes and GHA to deliver these new homes, which boast a variety of energy efficient measures.

“As well as delivering another milestone in Glasgow’s continued regeneration, we have been able to support the development of a variety of training and job opportunities for local people, further demonstrating City Building’s commitment to investing in the workforce of the future.”

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