East Kilbride Housing Association has started building new properties for the first time in almost a decade.

As part of the Scottish Government’s ambitious plan for over 50,000 new affordable homes by 2021, the Association has commenced the first of several planned new sites in the town. In partnership with Charlesfort Limited, it is constructing 18 two-bedroom flats at a total cost of £2.4 million, over £1m of which is grant from the Scottish Government.

During a recent ceremony to mark the commencement of the project, minister for local government & housing, Kevin Stewart MSP, said: “I am pleased that the Scottish Government has created the conditions to facilitate organisations such as East Kilbride Housing Association to make their valuable contribution to the affordable homes target, and I very much look forward to coming back next year to see the finished homes.”

Chair of East Kilbride Housing Association, Graham Keith, added: “We are excited and delighted to be building again. This is something we have been unable to do for several years until the conditions became less risky and much more favourable financially and politically.

“We have had very positive dialogue with South Lanarkshire Council, the Scottish Government, developers and landowners, and other partners and potential partners, and as a result we have several small sites earmarked for development. This will therefore be the first of many, and their completion will be a fitting way to celebrate our 25th anniversary next year.”