Two of North Lanarkshire Council’s housing projects scooped a double at the CIH Scotland Excellence Awards.

Taking top prize in the ‘Excellence in Health and Wellbeing Award’ was the council’s Designing for Health project, while the ‘Ambitious Towns in Communication Category’ winner was its tower consultation and communication project.

Designing for Health uses dementia design principles to improve new council housing and the suitability of the existing housing stock to better meet the needs of people with dementia or other complex health needs.

This project was co-produced with partners in health and social care, sheltered housing tenants, third and independent sectors, and saw a positive impact for current and future older people. Some of the project achievements include ‘future proofing’ older people’s housing, improving the accessibility of new supply housing and reducing the need for adaptations/equipment through thoughtful consideration to design. The council said it is making sure older people and the people they care for feel more secure, are more independent and have improved health and wellbeing.

The tower consultation and communication process for ambitious plans to demolish all 48 high-rise tower blocks in North Lanarkshire over the next 20 years was also a winner. These plans affect residents’ lives in a very real way. By consulting with the initial 1,600 homes identified in the first phase of demolition, the council received vital, informed views before approval was granted.

It was also essential that the council engaged fully with those residents affected and some of the ways it did this included social media campaigns, newsletters and surveys. This helped ensure residents were kept well informed of our proposals and could fully engage and support the plans.

Councillor Allan Graham, convener of enterprise and housing, said: “We’re very proud of the exciting work we’re carrying out here in North Lanarkshire. We had three projects shortlisted for a Chartered Institute of Housing Award, and to have two winners on the night is even better.

“Our residents are at the heart of all of our services and these are shaped to meet their aspirations. I’d also like to commend our staff who strive to deliver first class services to make a positive difference to the people living in the area.”

Stephen Llewellyn, head of housing solutions, added: “North Lanarkshire Council is Scotland’s largest council landlord and is committed to driving forward ambitious plans to transform homes, towns and communities.

“We’re in the midst of delivering the biggest council housebuilding programme in a generation in Scotland and our plans include future proofing our homes, regenerating communities and improving the lives of our tenants and residents.”