The first stage of the transformation of a Glasgow community is complete, with tenants moving into their new homes in Sighthill.

Housing minister Margaret Burgess joined Glasgow City Council leader Frank McAveety and GHA chair Gordon Sloan to meet some of the new GHA tenants this week.

Sighthill has been earmarked as a priority for regeneration by Transforming Communities: Glasgow (TC:G) - a partnership between Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Government and GHA.

The completion of the 141 new GHA homes is the first part of what will be a major transformation of the area. Sighthill will also see hundreds of more new homes, a new school campus, student accommodation and new shops, as well as a road bridge, a land bridge across the M8 and high-quality green space for residents.

The regeneration is one of the biggest projects of its kind in Scotland.

Tenant Nan McQueen, 84, who has lived in the area for almost 50 years, moved into her new GHA home in September.

Nan, a retired bookbinder, said: “I moved to Sighthill in 1967 and lived in the high rise blocks in Pinkston Drive for 40 years. I loved it there.

“Now I live in a nice wee house. It has a walk-in shower and a handrail, which are a good help. The house is much warmer too.

“There have been a lot changes in Sighthill. It’s an exciting time.”

The £13.7 million GHA development is a mix of houses and flats, including 11 suitable for wheelchairs.

The spacious, modern homes are also highly energy-efficient, meaning tenants are saving money on their fuel bills.

Housing minister Margaret Burgess said: “GHA’s 141 new homes are a welcome addition to this area and to the supply of affordable housing in Glasgow, offering people more choice and opportunities to find a home that suits their needs.

“This development is backed by £6.135m investment from the Scottish Government, and is not only a boost for the construction sector and wider economy, but it goes a long way towards the regeneration of this area.”

Residents have been closely involved in shaping the plans for Sightill, with community representatives on the Sighthill Local Delivery Group meeting regularly.

GHA chair Gordon Sloan said: “These new GHA homes are the first phase in what will be a major transformation of Sighthill.

“Our tenants are already enjoying the benefits of living in these homes.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the regeneration progress as we continue to work with our partners at Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government on this important project.”

Sighthill is one of eight Transformational Regenerational Areas in Glasgow.

It had been earmarked as the preferred site of the athletes’ village as part of Glasgow’s bid to host the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

An important legacy of the bid is the regeneration of Sighthill is going ahead much earlier than previously planned.

Frank McAveety, leader of Glasgow City Council added: “It’s great to see the people of Sighthill in these fantastic new homes, and this is just the first in a number of projects that will completely transform the area.

“The improvement to Sighthill that will be delivered through this £250m regeneration will see almost 800 new homes, a new school and sports campus, far better connections to the city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods and an eco-friendly environment.”

Contractors CCG, as part of its contract with GHA, took on 17 apprentices to work the new homes.

Alastair Wylie, chairman and chief executive of CCG, said: “We are delighted tenants are happy with their new homes which were built to the highest standards using our off-site manufacturing process to provide environmentally-efficient and modern living.”

Glasgow City Council is about to carry out some major work on the land in Sighthill to prepare the way for further development.

Work has already started on preparing the last two blocks at 31/35 and 32/34 Pinkston Drive for demolition by ultra high-reach machine.

The demolition is expected to be complete towards the end of 2016.

@GlasgowCC

@GlasgowHousing

@CCG_Scotland