An innovative housing development in Dumbarton has been hailed as a shining example of how high quality and affordable homes can be provided for older people.

Such has been the demand for accommodation at Glenfinnan Gardens, which has been developed by care and housing provider Bield in partnership with Persimmon Homes, that all properties were quickly snapped up and a waiting list is in place.

The success of the housing project was revealed at official opening of the development which was conducted by Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie and chair of Bield, Gerry O’Sullivan.

The amenity housing development is located within the £100 million Lomondgate project, one of Scotland’s most ambitious regeneration projects - a public-private partnership led by Strathleven Regeneration Company, established with the support of West Dunbartonshire Council, Scottish Enterprise and Diageo.

Glenfinnan Gardens is a three storey development for older people housing 18 one bedroom homes and 15 two bedroom homes. All of the new homes feature modern open plan living and kitchen areas and have shower rooms featuring level access shower facilities. The development includes many features including generous circulation spaces and full lift access to help residents stay independent and in their own homes for as long as possible.

This is the first Bield project which has been taken forward under the grant assistance regime from the Scottish Government, making properties even more affordable with rent starting from £314.81 per month.

Robert Cameron, development manager at Bield, said: “Glenfinnan Gardens is a great development as it offers social housing for rent in a predominantly ‘to buy’ area.

“The modern and impressive exteriors guarantee ‘kerb appeal’ and the bright apartments offer independent living with peace of mind and added security built in.

“We feel the development has succeeded in its aim to provide affordable housing while promoting independent living in an area where such a need has been identified.

“This coupled with Bield’s reputation as a leading provider of older people’s housing services will ensure a constant demand for these properties.”

The first tenants moved into the development in early 2015 and Bield have had to operate a waiting list since to cope with demand for the properties.

Speaking at the official opening, Bield chair, Gerry O’Sullivan said: “The new properties at Glenfinnan Gardens have been designed for social rent specifically for older people, where Bield has had considerable experience over the past 40 years, and it shows our ability to work with partners – such as Persimmon Homes - to continue to increase the supply of affordable homes in Scotland.

“Bield continues to contribute to its vision of a Scotland where people of all ages are respected, can make their own choices and are able to lead independent and fulfilling lives’ – particularly to fulfil Bield’s ‘Free to Be’ philosophy - and the Glenfinnan Gardens development helps us do this.

“I am thrilled that Bield have been able to deliver such a great building which meets the needs of the older people of West Dunbartonshire.”

@BieldScotland