Duchess Court, New Stevenston, is a modern development of two, three and four bedroom homes, and is part of the local authority’s new council house building programme to deliver 5,000 new homes by 2035. To date, 633 new homes has been delivered with others nearing completion and at various stages of design.

These new homes, built on the site of the former New Stevenston Primary School, have transformed this undeveloped site, enhancing the local community.

Provost Jean Jones unveiled a plaque at the development, while Councillor Allan Graham, welcomed guests including local tenants, officers from North Lanarkshire Council and developer Robertson Partnership Homes.

Happy tenants, Mr & Mrs Ian and Catherine McRobbie, invited Provost Jones into their new home to see first-hand the modern design, exceptional quality and quality finish.

Mrs McRobbie said: “Moving into our new home has changed life for the better. It’s adapted to meet my needs and I love having the freedom to potter around in the kitchen. With the wider door frames accessibility is much easier which makes such a difference. We’ve settled in so quickly. Everything is so new and I’ve loved adding my own personal touches to make my new house feel like home.”

All council new build homes are designed with energy efficiency in mind to help minimise running costs for tenants. In addition, they also boast dementia friendly design features, including contrasting colours between kitchen units and flooring.

They meet Housing for Varying Needs standards and are Secured by Design accredited, which involves Police Scotland architectural liaison officers having input into the layout and design to ensure we build safe and secure environments.

Provost Jones said: “It’s a pleasure officiating at these events and meeting and speaking with tenants living in our new homes. Our homes meet local need and make such a difference to the community and the lives of our tenants and we’re committed to providing even more of these new developments throughout North Lanarkshire.

“I wish all of our new tenants a very happy future in their new homes.”

James Freel, managing director of Robertson Partnership Homes, added: “We’re proud to have completed 15 high quality, affordable new homes at Duchess Court – a development which will be transformative to the local area.

“Not only do the new homes help develop the area and grow the local economy, but they also help communities to flourish by providing homes that are built to last for generations to come.

“Duchess Court is one of eight projects we are working on in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council, all of which were procured through Scape Group’s National Major Works Framework.”

The Scottish Government contributes towards the development cost of each site.