Link Group Ltd’s new ‘retirement living’ development at Abbey Place, Paisley has been officially opened by Renfrewshire Council’s convener of housing and community safety, Councillor Tommy Williams.

The £4.3 million construction of 38 ‘independent living’ homes, aimed at retirement living, for social rent and new supply shared equity commenced in March 2015, using £2.3m funding from the Scottish Government.

Built by Westpoint Construction, the 13 homes for social rent included one and two bedroom properties, three of which were designed to meet the needs of a wheelchair user. There were also 25 homes available to buy through the New Supply Shared Equity scheme including one and two bedroom properties.

Each property has gas central heating and hot water systems, high thermal insulation and double glazing to create warm, comfortable and energy efficient homes that will be easy and economical to run.

The development offers additional resident facilities such as a fully furnished day lounge and en-suite guest bedroom. There is also an area for storing and charging mobility scooters within the building.

Link Group chief executive, Craig Sanderson, said: “We are very pleased to have been supported by the Scottish Government and Renfrewshire Council to enable us to build these new, high quality homes which will help play a part in the area’s regeneration.”

Councillor Tommy Williams, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s housing and community safety policy board, said: “I’m delighted to officially open this new development by Link, which has already delivered a number of landmark projects in Paisley town centre in recent years.

“Our communities must have good quality, affordable housing for people to rent and buy that helps to improve people’s quality of life, has a positive impact on health and wellbeing, and is crucial to achieving our priorities on regeneration, prosperity and economic growth.

“Renfrewshire Council is committed to providing high quality homes and this development is the latest milestone on the way to delivering our target of 1,000 new affordable homes by 2020.”

Abbey Place resident Mrs Jacqueline Turner said: “I am so happy with the flat. It has made a huge difference to our lives, as we have a wet room that allows my husband to shower with plenty of space.”

The last remaining properties available to buy in the block are valued at £110,000, with shared equity purchase prices between £45,100- £88,000 depending on the purchaser’s circumstances.