Assisted by Baillie John Kane on behalf of Glasgow City Council, Elderpark Chairperson Elspeth Millen and CCG Director Calum Murray, the minister was given a tour of the multi-million pound development where CCG is set to deliver 82 homes and the conversion of the former Hills Trust Primary School to conceive a mix of homes and flats for rent and new office space for Elderpark HA, respectively.
The restoration of the former Hills Trust school is a key part of the work. The school in Golspie Street will be restored as new offices, bringing to an end years of dereliction and giving the building a new lease of life.
The conservation repair of this B listed building is being part-funded by the Govan Cross Townscape Heritage Initiative, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Glasgow City Council.
Humza Yousaf MSP said: "I was delighted to see at first hand how this important development will enhance the community with the delivery of new housing. I was also pleased to learn of the wider community regeneration work which Elderpark Housing is undertaking.
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"The new housing and former school restoration is a great example of what can be achieved when the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and housing providers like Elderpark work together."
Elderpark Chairperson Elspeth Millen added: "This a great step forward for the community. New rented homes are much-needed and Elderpark Housing is delighted to be delivering on our commitment to making this happen.
"We look forward to the transformation of Nethan Street and the restoration of the former school building which has served our community for generations."
During a tour of the site and Elderpark's existing offices, Elderpark Chief Executive Gary Dalziel briefed Humza – on the work of the organisation –, particularly on its regeneration and community work.
Mr Dalziel said: "We are very grateful that Humza came along to get work officially underway on our new development. Elderpark Housing shares the vision of the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council to build new homes within our communities.
"This is a sizeable development for Elderpark Housing but when it is completed the new homes will make a real difference to people's lives."
CCG Director Calum Murray also said: "The new homes will be constructed to the highest standards of quality and environmental performance thanks to the use of 'offsite' methods of construction whilst the iconic school building is set to be transformed into high-specification offices.
"Working with our supply chain partners, CCG will also be delivering a wide range of 'community benefit initiatives' including the provision of six new jobs, four apprenticeships and up to 12 work placements."
CCG and Elderpark expect the new homes to be ready by summer-2020 and the new offices suitable for habitation by the end of this year.
