2018 is shaping up to be a record year of housing development for River Clyde Homes as the foundations of a new £2.6 million 20-home investment in South West Greenock begin to rise from the ground.

The Inverclyde-based housing association has begun work in the popular Mallard area to build 20 terraced and semi-detached homes comprising six 2-bedroom and 14 3-bed homes, designed by Chameleon Homes and built by Cruden Building.

The homes, which will all have back and front gardens, are situated on the former site of five blocks of flats that were demolished in recent years. They will be of red brick construction with cladding and pitched roofs to compliment the surrounding architecture. Access for all houses will be provided off a new road, which will link the existing Mallard Crescent road to Merlin Lane. Traffic calming measures will be introduced to ensure community safety.

Gary Wilson, executive director of property services at River Clyde Homes, said: “These are much needed modern, family homes. The area is popular with families, given its proximity to a range of community and sports facilities and good transport links.”

The homes in Mallard are part of River Clyde Homes’ ambitious plans to build 750 new homes in Inverclyde over the next five years.

Cruden Building is also set to begin work at the historic James Watt Dock in Greenock in spring. The development in this scenic waterfront location will comprise of 136 new homes which will be a mixture of one and two bedroom flats over 2 phases. Eight of these homes are being built in an innovative partnership with Blackwood Housing Association and will accommodate a range of accessible, modern, attractive and bespoke flats aimed at providing great value to people with a large range of disabilities and housing needs.

A total of 96 new homes are being built in the Slaemuir area of Port Glasgow and phase one is underway, this will see 28 new homes ready by Autumn this year. Phase two of the Cruden-built development is currently being developed and will see 68 new homes ready in 2019.

Allan Callaghan, managing director of Cruden Building, said: “We are delighted to continue our strong working relationship with River Clyde Homes as we begin work on this exciting new development in Greenock’s Mallard area.

“These high quality, modern family houses will provide full Silver Standard energy efficiency levels which will give residents homes that are greener, warmer and cheaper to run.

“Throughout this project we will work closely with local suppliers to directly benefit the Inverclyde economy and provide young people with valuable work placement and training opportunities.”

Jillian Moffat, vice chair of the River Clyde Homes Board, said: “We are delighted to be part of the Scottish Government’s plans to address the shortage of affordable, high quality homes in Scotland. The news of these four developments, with a value of £38m in Inverclyde is just the beginning and we anticipate making further announcements of new developments later this year. The construction of new homes not only brings multi-million pound investment to Inverclyde, but will create much needed training and employment opportunities for the community.”

In addition, the 41-home development at Bay Street, Port Glasgow is nearing completion and homes are likely to be available to let in the spring. These homes are being developed by Cullross.