Glasgow’s First Citizen has cut the first turf signalling the start of a £5 million investment in Castlemilk.

Lord Provost Sadie Docherty was invited by Thenue Housing to a special ceremony to mark the start of work on new homes and a community centre.

Thenue Housing will spend £4m constructing 22 properties in the Netherholm district of Castlemilk.

A community centre will also be created nearby following a tireless campaign by local residents for such a facility.

The £995,000 community centre is being funded by Big Lottery Scotland’s Growing Community Assets Fund and represents one of the largest lottery cash windfalls the Castlemilk community has ever experienced.

Prior to cutting the soil, the Lord Provost praised local people, saying: “Everyone has worked extremely hard to bring this investment to Castlemilk. New housing and a new community centre will make a huge difference.”

She also paid tribute to the late Yvonne McShea, former chair of Thenue Housing, who lived in Castlemilk and was a leading campaigner in the bid to bring a community centre to the Netherholm area.

Charles Turner, chief executive of Thenue Housing, added: “We are extremely grateful to Glasgow City Council for its significant contribution to the funding of these new homes. Without its support we would not have been able to deliver this exciting development.”

Charles also praised local residents’ group the Netherholm Area Association which was assisted by Thenue in securing the massive windfall from Big Lottery Scotland to build the community centre.

He said: “The Netherholm Area Association has shown that determination, effort and vision bring results. We congratulate them on such a tremendous result in delivering a new community centre for local people.”

Work on the homes and the centre is expected to be completed in Spring 2018.

The homes will consist of one, two, three and four bedroom properties for rent.

The new centre will act as a social and economic hub for Netherholm providing many services and with the key priority of meeting the needs and aspirations of children and young people.

Allan Callaghan, managing director of Cruden Buildings and Renewals Limited, said: “We’re pleased to be working together with Thenue Housing to build 22 houses and cottage flats and a brand new youth and community centre which will deliver a huge boost to the residents of Netherholm in Castlemilk.

“These high quality, modern, one to four bedroom homes will provide residents with eco-friendly housing that will be warmer and cheaper to run.

“With all our projects, Cruden is committed to giving back to the local community and Netherholm is no different. We will provide a number of community based activities including valuable training opportunities throughout this exciting build.”