NGHA has led on the regeneration of the Gorbals for 35 years, focusing on providing the highest possible quality housing, environment and services for all its tenants and other service users.

At least 10% of the new homes the Association builds are fully accessible or adaptable for wheelchair users. This is one of the ways the Association takes into consideration the requirements their tenants, and applicants, might have over the course of their lives.

New Gorbals’s award-winning North Gate development is an example of how successful new build design can consider the changing needs of tenants from the outset. Completed in 2022, the seven-storey North Gate building consists of 31 one and two-bedroom flats with shared facilities including a lift, bike/mobility scooter store and community room.

The development was modelled to suit the needs of older residents, enabling them to continue to lead active and independent lives, and has won awards for its design, including a Saltire Award.

Adapting existing homes and offering transfers opportunities to homes that are better suited to tenants’ needs, are other ways the Association works to keep its tenants thriving in their community for longer.

Last year NGHA spent £156,000 (£98,361 grant funded by the Scottish Government through Glasgow City Council) adapting 49 homes. Adaptations included installing accessible showers, mobility ramps, handrails and electronic door openers.

Mrs McAree lived in a flat in Ballater Street for almost 30 years. Her mobility has declined over the past couple of years, and as a result the stairs became unmanageable, meaning she was rarely able to leave the house. When a let became available, the association was able to offer Mrs McAree a flat in a building which has its own lift and automatic doors, allowing her to get out and about in the community again.

Mrs McAree said: “I had to have a hip operation and after that I couldn’t get out. I had to live with my daughter in recovery and it was hard. This is brilliant, I feel as if I’m on holiday living here. This flat has changed my life, I love it.”

To make sure all tenants can take part, the Communities Team at NGHA provide many opportunities for people to meet and get involved in the work of the Association and wider Gorbals community. Pensioners Marion and Jenny have been neighbours in Devon Street for over 20 years. Both are very active in the community and say if there is something on “we’ll go to it”, including NGHA’s free, fortnightly community meal and activities at the Livingwell service in Crown Street.

On living in Gorbals, Jenny said: “The best thing we did was move here. I love my house, we have good neighbours and people will do anything for you.”