Keith Brown MSP, Minister of Housing and Transport, visited Greenock to help River Clyde Homes celebrate the completion of its first two developments in Inverclyde. A total of 336 new homes in Port Glasgow and East Greenock have been built in less than two years, providing much needed modern housing in the area.

Mr Brown will hand the final set of keys over to Mr Brian McCluskey at 2, Border Court to mark the completion of what has been one of Scotland’s biggest social housing projects in recent years, amounting to an investment of just over £45m in Inverclyde.

Mr Brown said: "Today, in Inverclyde, I have seen compelling evidence of how investing in our infrastructure can make a real and vital contribution to economic growth. In Inverclyde, Scottish Government investment is creating new affordable homes for families and bringing significant economic benefits to the town. Across Scotland, we have made a commitment to deliver 6,000 new affordable homes each year. This will be done through a range of measures including the Innovation and Investment Fund, backed by a total funding package of £460 million.”

He added: “In the face of Westminster cuts we will also boost housing supply by using innovative financing methods, driving maximum value for every single pound of taxpayers' money.”

Anne-Marie Bagstad is the Chair of River Clyde Homes’ Board. She said: “This is a landmark day for Inverclyde as we celebrate the completion of two significant developments which have helped breathe new life into local communities. We are rightly proud of this achievement which is down to the teamwork and determination of all those involved including our partners at the Scottish Government, the Council, and our contractors & consultants. The new homes are quite magnificent and I know from feedback that tenants are very happy in their new homes and that a new community spirit is being born.”

Lynne Carr, Chief Executive of RCH, added: “At the time of stock transfer we made a number of promises to tenants and I am pleased that we are able to deliver on one of the key commitments in such a short period of time. These homes have been built ahead of schedule and I’m pleased that so many people will be enjoying their first Christmas in their new homes.”

The new homes are energy efficient and are designed to reduce energy bills for tenants. They are bright, spacious and meet tenants’ desires to live in homes with their own back and front doors. The homes have been designed to meet housing for varying needs and with the requirements of the Strathclyde Police ‘Secure by Design’ scheme to minimise the potential for crime arising in the area.

River Clyde Homes is on-site currently in South West Greenock, working on what could be a £14.3m development of 126 new homes.

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Contact: Keith Moore, Communications Manager. (01475) 788800.