Keepmoat hires Sighthill locals to flagship regeneration project
Keepmoat Homes has made two new appointments at its flagship NorthBridge development in Glasgow who both grew up in the local area.
Construction administrator Chamille Andrews will assist with construction plans, staff management and NHBC registrations amongst a host of other tasks.
Working alongside Chamille, safety business partner Derek Duffy will be supporting the business with health and safety compliance, bringing over 30 years of experience in the industry to his new role.
Chamille spoke of her appointment: “Working at Keepmoat Homes’ NorthBridge development is very special to me, as I can see my grandparents’ house, which is where I grew up, from my office window.
“My grandad was a concierge for the high-rise flats that sat here previously and I went to the local school too. It’s great to see the regeneration and the transformation of this local area taking place right in front of my eyes, and it’s even better to be a part of it myself.”
The development is part of the biggest regeneration project outside London and will comprise of over 800 new energy-efficient homes when complete. It is located North of the River Clyde and will feature retail offerings, tree-lined promenades and green open spaces, as well as a state-of-the-art campus and sporting facilities for the local community.
Chamille explained: “My family were so excited for me to start working at Keepmoat Homes, and it felt like a full-circle moment coming back to the place in which I grew up in.
“I love that the plans for the community have a strong nod to the local history and pay homage to the industrial roots of the city, breathing new life into the community rather than erasing it. A lot of the old features have been added into the plans such as the cherry blossoms that were around when I was a child, which are now being featured in the tree lined walkways.
“Knowing that I am part of the team that is doing great work to make this area of Glasgow safer for the people that live here, and providing a future for the younger generations to come, including my own family members, makes me extremely proud - because after all, the people really do make Glasgow.”
The project will reconnect the area to the heart of Glasgow, with miles of cycle lanes to create modern and safe routes around the city, which will connect the new homes to Glasgow City Centre via a landmark garden bridge over the M8 motorway.
Derek Duffy said: “I started my career in Glasgow as a welder, so it’s remarkable to now be back in Glasgow towards the end of my construction journey.
“I grew up about 500 yards to the right of my office, so working at NorthBridge in Sighthill brings back a lot of fond memories. I witnessed the first build in the area when the high-rise flats were constructed, so it provides a great buzz to see it all being regenerated once again in a much safer and more picturesque way. The house types we are building now are a lot more beneficial than the high rundown buildings that stood here when I was growing up, and the outlook for the community is extremely motivating.
“I love that the community spirit I remember so well growing up is still here today, and that Sighthill is truly a collective of incredible and hardworking people.”
Keepmoat Homes has pledged to support the local community through the regeneration project and set up a Community Benefits Fund to help local charities and community groups in the area throughout the ten-year project.
Derek added: “I went to St Stevens and St Roch’s schools here when I was younger, and as part of our work in the area we have partnered with St Roch’s, so it’s extremely rewarding for me to see that they are receiving the fantastic community benefits that Keepmoat Homes are offering. It has been great to get involved and give back to the school myself through this scheme.”