Barrhead Housing Association revealed that the demolition contractor has taken possession of the site at Darnley Road to start to clear the former school and council office.

This site has been part of East Renfrewshire Council’s strategic housing plans for some time and the former council office was cleared last year. Following a successful transfer of the site, the Association will complete the £1.6 million development after successfully receiving grant of £837,185 from the Scottish Government.

Main contractor McTaggart Construction will commence the building of 15 properties for social rent as soon as the site has been cleared. The site will provide 12 one, and 3 two bedroom flats, with the main access being taken through the existing Rankin Way development.

The flats will be allocated from the East Renfrewshire Housing Register with 50 per cent being nominated to East Renfrewshire Council. The new homes should be completed by early 2016.

Barrhead HA chairperson Rena McGuire said: “It is great to see the commencement of much needed social housing by the Association as we’ve been unable to build new homes due to funding constraints which have eased over recent times. This new development will complement the properties in Rankin Way.”

Barrhead Councillor Danny Devlin, convenor for housing, added: “I am delighted with this news and I will be keen to follow the progress of this development. Just last week the council announced the release of 12 flats for social rent following a substantial refurbishment. An additional 15 properties for social rent is a great news story for Barrhead and supports the council’s ongoing commitment to providing safe, affordable homes for all local people.”