A multi-million housing boost for Bridgeton in Glasgow’s East End was unveiled by Thenue Housing this week as housing minister Kevin Stewart MSP cut the first soil to mark the start of building work.

The £6.3 million development of 45 new homes is being created in Rumford Street and Reid Street and will consist of two, three and four bedroom properties.

The grant funding received by Thenue was around £3.9m with the remainder made up of borrowing by the Association.

The announcement of the Bridgeton homes, which will take around 15 months to build, comes just weeks after Thenue unveiled 22 homes and a new £1m community centre in the city’s Castlemilk. Building there is already under way.

Charles Turner, chief executive of Thenue, said: “These new homes are a great step forward for the Bridgeton community.

“We recognise those whose support has been crucial to creating new homes – notably the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council. Without them this housing would not be possible.

“We applaud their willingness to help us to create new homes and better communities.”

The news has been welcomed by the Bridgeton and Dalmarnock Area Association – a community group linked to and supported by Thenue Housing.

Owen Stewart of the Area Association, who is also chair of Thenue Housing, added: “Good housing is crucial to regenerating communities and there is a significant need of new housing in Bridgeton. We greatly welcome this significant development.”

Kevin Stewart said: “Ensuring everyone in Scotland has access to affordable, high quality homes is a key target for the Scottish Government. I am absolutely delighted that our £3.9m grant to Thenue Housing will be used to help provide much needed new social rented housing for the people of Bridgeton and look forward to seeing the new houses in the future.”

Allan Callaghan, managing director of Cruden Buildings and Renewals Limited, added: “We are delighted to work with Thenue Housing to deliver this landmark development and provide much needed housing in Bridgeton.

“We are building 45 modern and spacious homes that meet Silver Standard energy efficiency levels - providing residents with homes that are cheaper to run and have fewer carbon emissions. We will also deliver a number of community based activities and work with local suppliers to directly benefit the local area.”