The sky is the limit for high rise residents who are enjoying a new lease of life after a block was transformed

At one time few people wanted to live at Broomhill Court in Greenock and the block was only a third full.

But an impressive upgrade and campaign to re-launch the court as retirement housing in June has changed its fortunes.

There is only one empty flat left and five people bidding for it.

It's not only the bricks and mortar that has changed but a new community flat - named Suite 16 - is creating a welcome sense of community.

The Telegraph popped along to the lunch club during a game of bingo and met John and Elizabeth O'Neill, who moved in three weeks ago.

John, 70, said: "It's been brilliant.

"We moved from Hay Street, we were near a pub and it was too noisy.

"The community spirit is really good here and the heating is a lot cheaper than where I lived before.

"I really like meeting all the new people.

"Everyone is so friendly."

Eleanor Pollock, 70, moved into the block with her husband Walter in August.

She said: "It's marvellous. Everyone is so nice and friendly. I enjoy coming down to the community flat. One of the biggest advantages is having a lift. Myself and my husband have mobility problems. We lived one stair up in Prospecthill Street and we had neighbour problems as well."

Another new resident Jack Clenaghan, 64, said: "It's excellent. There are no stairs and there's a good view.

"I enjoy the social events - I didn't feel part of the flat until I started getting to know my neighbours and coming to Suite 16 and meeting everyone."

Residents were consulted on what activities they would like in the community flat and now there's everything from Tai Chi to a lunch and breakfast club and a 'Man Shed'.

Two residents have been picked as digital champions, helping others with queries about televisions, mobile phones and anything to do with technology.

Jeanette Ferguson, 77, is enjoying the martial art.

She said: "It's another way of keeping fit and healthy and a wee bit active.

"I moved in in July and I really like it. I'm on the 14th floor, so it's quiet when you want it to be and you can mix with people when you want to mix."

Jim McDonald, a long-standing tenant who has lived in Broomhill Court for 25 years, says the turnaround has been amazing.

He said: "It's brilliant. You get to meet people in the community flat.

"Before you just met people in the lift, you didn't get to know them and if you lived on the even floor who wouldn't even see people who lived on the odd floor.

"It's a lot better than it was."

Michelle Bryce, retirement housing co-ordinator with River Clyde Homes, said: "It's been so successful.

"It's totally changed people's lives."

Her colleague Elaine Cannon, a service improvement manager, added: “The Broomhill regeneration has proven to be a great success with customers. The homes have been transformed, the environment is being improved and a new sustainable community is being created.

"The court historically was one third full and now the occupancy rate is 99 per cent - we only have one empty property left and there is now a waiting list for Broomhill Court."

The block's turnaround has been reflected in the wider Broomhill, where at one point there were 200 longer-term empty home.

This has reduced to three and overall occupancy has hit 98 per cent.

From left Elizabeth and John O'Neill, Elanor Pollock, Jack Clenaghan and Jim McDonald

TAI Chi ladies from left are Liz Friel, Maureen McDonald and Jeanette Ferguson.