A multi million pound transformation of a historic Glasgow building into new east end homes with begins in earnest with the redevelopment of a former hotel in iconic Monteith Row close to Glasgow Green.

The street has an important place in Glasgow’s rich history and dates from 1891.

Now Thenue is preserving the building by turning it into new flats and also building new ones in a project costing £9.3 million.

Councillor Kenny McLean, city convener for neighbourhoods, housing and public realm at Glasgow City Council, got the work underway on a visit to Monteith Row.

Forty nine new flats are being created with building work scheduled to be completed in 2019.

Monteith Row was once home to well-heeled Glaswegians in the 19th century.

One of its remaining buildings – the former Monteith Hotel which is named after a former Lord Provost – will form the centrepiece of the development.

Its new lease of life and additional flats is the latest housing boost from Thenue and is the third development of new homes the housing association has announced in the last nine months.

It brings to £23.6 million the amount of money Thenue is spending on giving people new homes in this location, in Bridgeton and in Castlemilk. The total number of homes being built is around 120. The development is being built by Cruden Building.

Charles Turner, chief executive of Thenue Housing, said: “This is an important step forward in bringing much-needed new homes to the east end.

“Monteith Row is an iconic Glasgow street and preserving a much-loved building by creating modern, energy-efficient new homes will be greatly welcomed by the community.

“We are grateful to Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Council for contributing to the cost of this significant project. Without them it simply would not have been possible.

“It is wonderful that a building with such a rich historical connection to the city is being given a new lease of life.”

Councillor McLean said: “It is great to see work beginning on these 49 new homes in this famous building on a historic Glasgow street. This will be an interesting and attractive development, located close to the city centre, and I’m sure will be enjoyed by the new residents when work is complete.

“The council is pleased to work with Thenue Housing Association, and all of our other partner housing bodies, to deliver high-quality new homes such as these across the city.”

Allan Callaghan, managing director of Cruden Building, added: “We are delighted to work with Thenue Housing to deliver this landmark development of much needed quality, affordable housing in Glasgow’s east end.

“This development will also breathe new life into a once-great city building, the Monteith Hotel, as we convert it into modern, energy efficient homes which will overlook Glasgow Green. During this development, we will be working with local suppliers and providing valuable training opportunities to the local community.”