Supporting North Lanarkshire Council’s new house building programme which will see 5,000 new homes delivered by 2035, Cruden Building is delivering 19 new homes at Berwick Street, Coatbridge.

North Lanarkshire Council said the donation “is just one example of how communities benefit from the contracts prepared in the delivery of their new build homes”.

The delivery of affordable, energy-efficient homes has brought a number of benefits aimed at supporting communities and local people. As well as donating equipment to the local children, Cruden has provided three new employment opportunities, two of which are new local apprentice joiners. Work experience placements for two people have also been delivered and completed.

Supporting the delivery of community benefits, North Lanarkshire Council is working with local community groups. It was through this engagement that Shawhead Family Learning Centre asked for assistance. The local group was looking for a range of items to support the learning and development of young people, and requested mud kitchens, planters and the repair of play equipment.

Cruden purchased the items for donation and the council’s Restorative Justice Team stepped in to build the mud kitchens and planters.

Clare Hay, head of centre, said: “Everyone at Shawhead Family Learning Centre would like to thank those involved for their support with the development of our outdoor play and learning spaces. These resources have enabled us to create a wonderful imaginative play zone in our outdoor area with the addition of mud kitchens and a role play car. It was a wonderful surprise for our children who were so excited to explore their new outdoor resources.

“Since these resources were added to our outdoor space we have observed an increase in children engaging in imaginative and cooperative play outdoors with a wealth of opportunities to develop their communication, literacy and numeracy skills through play.”

James Stevenson, housing development manager at North Lanarkshire Council, said: “Our ambitious new council house plans, to deliver 5,000 new homes by 2035, are not only providing new homes but delivering benefits that are changing lives and communities. We’ll continue to put local people at the heart of our plans to make North Lanarkshire the place to live, learn, work, invest and visit.”

Michael Palethorpe, production and community benefit manager at Cruden, said: “We are committed to giving back to the communities where we build as we continue to expand our portfolio of housing projects across Scotland. Alongside delivering high quality homes in Coatbridge, we’re proud to also support the creation of new jobs and skills opportunities in the local area, and enhance the lives of the families living there.

“Shawhead Family Centre provides fantastic day care services for children in the Coatbridge community. We’re delighted to provide them with the interactive facilities needed to give these children a fun and engaging experience. We hope they enjoy using their new play equipment for years to come.”