A LONG-NEGLECTED area of Greenock is to be transformed in a massive £20m regeneration project which is one of the biggest to ever take place in Scotland.

The huge investment by River Clyde Homes (RCH) is the biggest the housing association has ever made and will see 666 properties refurbished inside and out, with new kitchens and bathrooms installed.

Around 20 brand new homes will also be built on vacant land off Trafalgar Street while multi-storey courts Prospecthill, Whinhill and Broomhill will be given new a makeover with new facades after a modern rain screen is fitted.

Broomhill residents have told of their joy at the announcement by housing association, after years of campaigning.

Jenny Speck, the chairwoman of Broomhill Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, says the huge project will change people’s lives.

She said: “We cannot express how pleased we are as a community that Broomhill is finally getting a major makeover. We love this area.

“Some people have stayed here all their lives and while it looks sorry for itself in parts, it’s a place with a heart.” As well as the big housing upgrades, work will be done to improve the landscape in the area, with ugly concrete making way for greener areas.

Other key parts of the project will see properties fitted with energy efficient heating systems to help residents save money, while security features will also be improved.

Jenny, who was one of the residents who worked with MAST Architects to help shape the plans, added: “We’ve been pleased that our ideas have been listened to, that we are going to be living in energy efficient homes that are fit for the modern age.” The three-year regeneration programme is expected to start in the autumn.

Marjorie Webster, who has lived in Mill Street for the past 43 years, says it has been a long time coming.

She said: “We are hoping for the very best for this area.

“I’m quite happy with the plans I have seen.

“The properties all need upgraded, this is long overdue.” Bosses from River Clyde Homes joined people from the neighbourhood plus local authority chiefs to herald the £20m programme.

Willie Croft, director of property and development services at the housing association, said: “There was a clear message from the community that they wanted change and that they wanted to work with the housing association to achieve that change.

“A senior officer will be assigned to Broomhill with a remit to ensure that this regeneration project achieves excellence, utilises a multi-agency approach and that the best value possible is delivered for the area.” The project is being backed by Inverclyde Council, who have managed to secure funding so that homeowners in ‘the Broomy’ will receive grants to cover the costs of the external refurbishments to their homes.

Council leader Stephen McCabe says today’s £20m announcement is the start of an exciting new era.

He said: “In addition to redevelopment and regeneration work, building new homes in Inverclyde will be essential in ensuring that our area continues to thrive and grow.

“Earlier this year the council agreed a new masterplan for the area which lays out a framework for long-term investment over the next decade and beyond.

“To kickstart the regeneration activities, the council set aside £250,000 to carry out environmental improvements in the Broomhill area in collaboration with River Clyde Homes.

“There was also an additional investment of £500,000 as part of our budget for regenerating the Central East/Broomhill area.

“These sizeable investments should complement the announcement being made by River Clyde Homes today to deliver a better Broomhill.” Meanwhile, tenants have also thanked the Telegraph for its Broomhill coverage and supporting their cause over the years.

Their spokesperson Jenny said: “The Tele has been instrumental in bringing our cause to the fore.

“This is long overdue.”