The official opening of the new council housing development in Tannochside, the eighteenth development delivered by North Lanarkshire Council, was marked with the Provost of North Lanarkshire, Councillor Jean Jones, unveiling a plaque.

The development at Oakdene Avenue on the site of former Tannochside Primary School is the latest as part of the council’s NL Homes programme, which will see 2150 homes built by 2027.

Providing a warm welcome and opening the doors of their new homes were happy tenants, Violet Curtis and Mary Clements.

Violet said: “I was previously living in the flats across the road and have watched as the site has developed into the fabulous new homes we see today. I was so excited when I found out I would be moving in there. Not having to go up and down stairs everyday makes such a difference as I struggle with my mobility.

“I’m really grateful to the council for giving me such a lovely home. It’s like being on holiday and not needing to go home!”

Also marking the occasion were Councillor Allan Graham, convener of enterprise and housing; local councillors Bob Burrows and Hugh Gaffney; Des Murray, assistant chief executive, enterprise and housing resources; Malcolm Macleod, managing director for Robertson Partnership Homes; together with other council officers, representatives from developer Robertson Partnership Homes and tenants living in the development.

There are 16 cottage flats on this site – 8 one bedroom and 8 two bedroom – all built with energy efficiency in mind to help minimise running costs for tenants.

The homes also boast dementia friendly design features, including contrasting colours between kitchen units and flooring, and the use of different coloured front doors to help make the homes more easily identifiable.

They meet Housing for Varying Needs standards and all ground floor flats have wet floor showers.

The homes are also ‘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 is always a privilege to see first-hand these fantastic housing developments and to hear from the tenants living in these lovely, modern, new homes.

“We’re proud of our new build homes and I’m confident we will continue to make significant progress in improving local communities across North Lanarkshire and the lives of our tenants.”

Malcolm Macleod from Robertson Partnership Homes added: “We’re really proud to have completed this development, which will help provide life-changing accommodation to many local residents. People have different needs and circumstances so it was critical that the homes are not only flexible but are high-quality, affordable and future-proof.

“Oakdene Avenue is one of eight projects we’re working in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council, and all of them were procured through Scape Group’s National Major Works Framework. It’s fantastic to be a part of something that will really make a difference to the local Community and transform so many lives.”

The Scottish Government contributes towards the development costs at each site.